Bo's Fight For His Life

        Most people look at cancer from a third person point of view. No one ever thinks it can or will happen to them. Even more so a healthy twenty year old male would never have the thought cross his mind. Just like any other young adult Bo had a great future ahead. He was the first of his family to finish college, and was months away from signing to become a part of the ­­­­­Air Force. His life seemed perfect. He had great friends, and a bright future. Nonetheless a small lump changed his life.

        The day Bo came up to us and showed us this golf ball sized lump in his neck, we could tell that something was up. Rebellious at nature he ignored all of our pleas for him to go to the doctor. Finally, close to a month later his Aunt scolded him, and paid for the appointment ahead of time, forcing him to go.


        It was shocking at first when we all heard the news. Then it was sad for awhile, followed by tears, but then we came back to reality and accepted his diagnosis. Although he isn't related to me by blood, he is truly my own brother. So I was there for him every step of the way, in the bad and good.

        Our main focus, as his friends was to keep his mind off the cancer. Cancer can be demoralizing, weakening, and torturous. Yet through all the darkness, cancer can also showcase one's true strength. This was Bo's perfect opportunity to show his power. We knew if there were others who have fought cancer and lived to tell the story, Bo could be successful in this battle.

        Although Bo was eager to begin this fight it wasn't going to be so easy. Bo had no health insurance and did not qualify for AHCCCS. We had to wait three months as the cancer grew, for paper work and money to clear things up. As soon as he could Bo attended his first chemo treatment.

        I went to visit him and keep him company. We watched movies and talked. Close to 4 hours later the last bag of poisons was emptied and he was set to go. All of his friends myself included were waiting for him to ask for assistance and ease any pain he had. He never showed any symptoms till 3 days later.

        As the treatments continued, I began to notice how the cancer was taking a toll on him. His hair began to fade away but his spirit never faltered.

        We never researched or looked around about how we could help him. Everything we did came from the heart. We never saw him as sick. He was just as lively as he was when he was healthy. He was knocking out treatments left and right with no complications.

        I knew he was into fitness because he was an athlete in high school. So everyday I would take him to the gym. Also on weekends we would go out and do things that would not hurt his health but we're still fun.


        Keeping up with his health was to his advantage. 6 long and hard months later, the struggle finally ended successfully. The doctors were astonished at his story and inspired. A young man with some of the worst luck yet his spirit never faltered.


                                                                                                                                                                       -Francisco Moreno