On November 9th, 2017,  my life will forever be changed. I got an email a few months prior from the Make-A-Wish foundation informing me that a young girl named Joyce had been granted a wish. I was unbelievably humbled to read that out of all things she could have wish for...her wish was to be a Marine for a week. Joyce was diagnosed with bone cancer in her leg when she was 14. She was in remission and came to spend a week at MCB, Camp Lejeune and was made an honorary Marine.

I was very hesitant to still be her escort as I lost my unborn daughter two weeks prior to her visit. Going through with being her escort was the best decision I have ever made. Not only did it make me grow a whole new appreciation for being allowed the opportunity to be a Marine, but Joyce showed me what strength was. So full of motivation and life, not once did she cry about her situation. Her response was, it’s okay I’ll fight it...I am a Marine.

A few months after meeting Joyce she informed me her cancer came back and her doctors were recommending leg amputation. Joyce said to me “The worst part about all of this is now I will never be able to live out my dream and become a Marine”. Again, a few months later, I received another devastating text from Joyce. She informed me that her cancer came back and this time was in her skull. Dumbfounded and at a lost for words all I could say was sorry. Her response “I am a Marine, I will beat it again.”  Joyce is one of 4 children.

Her father is a police officer and her mother cannot work due to the many doctor visits Joyce must attend. I am asking for you to find it in your heart to help a fellow Marine out and help them in this crucial time. If you cannot donate please share, pray, and if you have anything you would like to donate...dog tags...notes, etc. Please contact me so I can give you an address to send it to. I am making a trip in June to see her and surprise her with the gifts from everyone and hopefully give her much needed motivation to keep fighting. Thank you for reading.