Inspirational Stories

Hi! Nathaniel here, but you can call me Nate. I am an 18-year-old North Carolina Scholar, 2015 graduate of Franklinton High School who graduated with high honors. I am a future student of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, majoring in mechanical engineering. I am a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, boyfriend, friend, percussionist, musician, scholarship recipient, car and truck enthusiast, minority mentor, and an all around "Renaissance Man" with a philanthropist heart. I also have cancer

I was diagnosed with stage IV/A Hodgkin lymphoma on June 5, 2015 - just eight days before graduating high school. I decided that exact same day that cancer will not define me nor would I allow cancer to take away my dignity. I decided to move the mountains that were placed before me to show everyone that they can be moved. With a lot of self determination and the support of so many, I WILL move mountains.

I have learned a great deal about my disease and others like mine through The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Its mission is now my mission -- to educate and make people aware of the many things we can do to help eliminate all blood cancers.  I know having HL is just a bump in the road for me but I truly believe that obstacles are placed in our way to see what we really want is worth fighting for!