Alyssa loves to smile and loves making people laugh. Her personality is so contagious! She loves hugs and has so much love to give! She is half Samoan and Salvadoran and she takes so much pride in her heritage but she is partial to her Samoan side. She even does Polynesian dancing. She can do the hula, Tahitian dance, and Siva (traditional Samoan dancing). She speaks Samoan as well. She loves unicorns, Disney princesses, mermaids, and outer space. We have gone stargazing so many times as a family.
Alyssa was diagnosed with Wilm’s Tumor in November of 2021, right before Thanksgiving. We were so blessed she only spent a week in the hospital and was released the day before Thanksgiving. It was the most emotional Thanksgiving we’ve ever had but, we are so grateful that we were able to be with family and celebrate love and thankfulness.
Alyssa was the one who told me something didn’t seem right with her belly. After she showered from school, she noticed her belly was bigger on one side. She had no other symptoms. She is always a happy and active child, but even in the hospital, her positive spirit and activeness never wavered. She went through 30 weeks of chemo, six days of radiation, port insertion/removal, and removal of her left kidney. She has no limitations from her treatment and is cancer free!
Cancer has definitely changed our family. We are more aware of our bodies but Alyssa’s diagnosis has made us into a much stronger unit. Her positive outlook on life has taught us much! She is wise beyond her years and has taught me so much!
Alyssa has shown such strength, love, and confidence (she ROCKED her bald head!). Her positivity through it all, helped us cope. She is the only girl out of her four siblings so she has this very nurturing love for her brothers.
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