Haitian Native Rony Aristil Survives Bone Cancer and Loss of Parents
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Rony Aristil, a high school sophomore living in St. Paul, Minnesota, will receive the "Against All Odds Award" next month in recognition of his struggle against bone cancer and the loss of both of his parents, reports the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
Aristil, a native of Haiti, lost his mother at the age of 7 and his father just a few years ago. In addition to being orphaned, he also had his leg amputated during treatment for a form of bone cancer. Despite his difficult life in Haiti, however, he worked hard to make something of himself.
While receiving treatment for his cancer, Aristil taught himself English with the help of the hospital staff. He began working at an English-language church school, and missionaries visiting Haiti from Minnesota soon helped him win a scholarship to come study in the United States.
Since he arrived in St. Paul, Aristil has been living with a host family. He currently sings in the school choir and a local gospel music group, and he hopes to study prosthetics after he graduates from high school next year.
"Some people stop trying. They don't accomplish anything," Aristil told the source. "I wanted to be something in my life."
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 2,570 people in the United States were diagnosed with bone cancer in 2009, with 1,470 people dying form the disease. People at high risk for developing the illness are encouraged to undergo regular screenings.
People who have survived bone cancer can contact the Bone Cancer Foundation and the Bone Cancer Research Foundation for information, resources and support.
Aristil, a native of Haiti, lost his mother at the age of 7 and his father just a few years ago. In addition to being orphaned, he also had his leg amputated during treatment for a form of bone cancer. Despite his difficult life in Haiti, however, he worked hard to make something of himself.
While receiving treatment for his cancer, Aristil taught himself English with the help of the hospital staff. He began working at an English-language church school, and missionaries visiting Haiti from Minnesota soon helped him win a scholarship to come study in the United States.
Since he arrived in St. Paul, Aristil has been living with a host family. He currently sings in the school choir and a local gospel music group, and he hopes to study prosthetics after he graduates from high school next year.
"Some people stop trying. They don't accomplish anything," Aristil told the source. "I wanted to be something in my life."
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 2,570 people in the United States were diagnosed with bone cancer in 2009, with 1,470 people dying form the disease. People at high risk for developing the illness are encouraged to undergo regular screenings.
People who have survived bone cancer can contact the Bone Cancer Foundation and the Bone Cancer Research Foundation for information, resources and support.
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