I am grateful to have had cancer. I know, shocking, but it’s my truth. My medical past is something I like to share because I believe the most negative situation can still result in a positive, and my life is proof.

I was diagnosed with leukemia, a type of blood cancer, when I was two years old. The treatment was very aggressive and took numerous things from me, including the use of my legs. Due to the chemotherapy, I don’t remember much from that time or my childhood. I tried physical therapy, but because of my lack of interest, it did not help me get stronger.

However, something changed when I watched the drama TV series, “Glee.”

As a toddler, the show’s plot had no meaning to me, but the dance scenes were captivating. My mom has shared how she remembers watching me try to move my legs and dance along, filling her with hope that I was showing interest in moving for the first time since my diagnosis.

That spark led to the idea of a dance class. With a gift certificate from my aunt and uncle, I took my first class at Impact Dance Studio and haven’t stopped since.

In many ways, my life restarted after that first class. Dance wasn’t just a fun activity; it brought me strength, an escape from my treatment-filled days and most importantly–joy. What began as a replacement for physical therapy became something bigger than anyone in my life could have imagined.

I’ve been training and now competing at the same studio for 13 years, my love for dance deepening each year. Dance became my lifeline. Not just a hobby, but my purpose and a reminder that each day I shouldn’t take anything for granted.

Not only that, but dance also wired my values and perspective in all aspects of my life. I’ve learned the value of sacrifice, hard work, appreciating beauty in progress, and most importantly, the value of myself. Suddenly, I went from one tap class a week to the college recruiting process, and I’m proud to have committed myself fully to improving on something because the results of drive and determination are inexplicable. I have subconsciously applied these lessons to other parts of my life, striving to become a better version of myself each day.

Also, I’ve learned that I’m competitive. Through my experience competing in the dance world, my perspective on what is possible has expanded significantly. I have witnessed and been exposed to so many incredibly talented people and have been inspired to continue developing myself.

While I won’t ever reach perfection, I’ve succeeded in learning mental and physical resilience, being comfortable living in discomfort and constantly admiring the talent and beauty that is within everyone around me. Dance taught me to show up, listen, apply and never lose sight of where I was and how much further I have to go.

I can go on and on about how amazing dance is and the meaning it has in my life because it started as what helped save my life, and now, it is my life.

If I hadn’t had cancer, I might not have been exposed to the dance world. The importance of working hard for something you love wouldn’t resonate with me the same way. Cancer gave me a harder start than most, but also gave me a unique skill that many don’t get to experience.

So yes, it might seem strange to thank a destructive disease, but I am. Cancer brought me dance, and dance allowed me to find myself. And for that, I’m not just grateful–I’m proud.