Phoenix is my four year-old daughter. She is currently battling PNET (medulloblastoma). Phoenix was diagnosed January 13, 2012 (Friday the 13th), and boy has this been a journey.

I would have never imagined that we would have such a challenge ahead of us, as she was a perfectly healthy child.

Phoenix is beautiful, outgoing, smart, funny, and most importantly, she has become my hero. As her mother, I could not find strength from any source greater than her. She has been such a strong little girl through all of her treatments, test, and hospital visits. Even today, as she runs and plays with no hair on her little head, she remains unaffected.

Phoenix just completed six weeks of radiation treatment. We had to drive 5 days a week, 125 miles (each way), and she rode like a champ. She is currently on break but will begin 4 cycles of chemotherapy on May 3rd.

Lord knows that there is no greater pain then knowing that your child is suffering and there is nothing you can do, but Phoenix tells me every day that she loves me, that she loves her family, and that she is happy. That is my relief. So much has been asked of her in these past months, but she continues to show strength beyond her years.

I look forward to the day my daughter graduates from college, gets married, and has children of her own. Until then, I will remind her every day of how amazing she is, how much she is loved, and that she will always be my hero.