The Day That Changed My Life - Amanie's Journey

While creating The Day That Changed My Life Cancer an uncertain journey we wanted to hear from those who have been touched by cancer. The newly diagnosed cancer patient, the parents whose child has cancer, the caregiver, etc. We reached out and the journeys flowed in. One of the journeys came through a parent whose child was diagnosed with retinoblastoma as an infant. No one can imagine the pain and tremedous concern that can overwhelm parents whose child is sick.

However, we are happy to share with you that Amanie has brought so much joy and great pride to her family as she conitnues to be a leader and a strong advocate for those with special needs as well as those who have been diagnosed with cancer. When Governor Andrew Cuomo proposed cutting the nearly $100 million budget for the schools which includes the , turning the funding responsibilities over to local school districts, Amanie found her way to Albany to let her voice be heard. It did not matter that she was a senior and was moving on to the next phase in her life. Ms. Riley understood how important it was for the other students to have the same opportunities that allowed her to excel academically. Thankfully, the governor changed his position and said that the state will keep paying for the schools. Amanie graduated from high school as the Valedictorian and headed off to college where she continues to grow in her leadership skills.

Today Amanie is a college student and she was a speaker for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life Fighting Cancer event at Mercy College. Amanie takes her assignment to uplift and encourage others as she shares her journey with everyone. We are so proud of her and we will continue to follow her progress.

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.