THE GREATEST GIFT: A Community for Survivors Like Annie

  AT JUST 18 YEARS OLD, Annie’s world was turned upside down when she discovered a lump in her neck in October of 2022, her senior year of high school. A year that should have been filled with excitement, was overshadowed by doctor’s appointments and the sobering reality of a cancer diagnosis. After an ultrasound and a bone marrow biopsy, Annie was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Over the next several months, she endured 12 rounds of chemotherapy, a port for medication, and the emotional toll of losing her hair—yet through it all, she refused to let cancer define her. “Cancer doesn’t mean you can stop living,” Annie says. “You have to keep going.” Annie remained determined to finish her senior year at Dalhart High School, but prom, an important event for any teenager, posed one problem. That’s when the Cancer Survivorship Center stepped in. Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, Annie was able to find the perfect wig to wear to prom. It wasn’t just about a wig—it was about reclaiming a sense of normalcy and confidence during an already difficult time. Dressed flawlessly in the perfect green gown and styled to perfection from head to toe, Annie attended her prom – a joyful milestone on her way to graduating from Dalhart High School that spring. After graduation, Annie moved to Texas State University but soon returned home to the Panhandle to be closer to family and her medical team. She turned once again to the Cancer Survivorship Center for support, finding comfort in counseling services that helped her navigate the emotional challenges of survivorship. “The biggest benefit of the Cancer Survivorship Center is how they’ve helped me heal,” Annie says. “You can talk about your journey with others who truly understand.” Annie’s story is a testament to the life-changing impact of the Cancer Survivorship Center. Through counseling, fitness programs, and resources like wigs for survivors, the Center is a place for both emotional healing and community. Today, 20-year-old Annie is thriving at West Texas A&M, pursuing her passion in the agriculture program and enjoying time with friends. Grateful for the support she’s received, Annie shares, “Thank you for your gifts. Even small amounts add up. It takes a village to raise someone up sometimes—it takes a village to create a community.” Every donation, no matter the size, ensures that survivors have access to the care, support, and community they need to heal and move forward. Thank you for helping us create a village where cancer survivors like Annie can not only survive—but thrive.