Allie is attending Richard Bland College in Petersburg, Virginia, majoring in Art Education.  Allie's battle with cancer has helped her discover a passion for art, which has not only opened up a career path but a wonderful therapy for her as well.   She has survived Polycystic Astrocytoma (Brain Tumor).  In her own words:

“I am a survivor, not only of cancer, but of any adversity that is thrown at me.  My strong belief in a higher power helps me dissolve my worries.  When I was seven years old and in the first grade, I had surgery for a malignant brain tumor.  As a result, I have some neurological damage, sort of like a person with a mild stroke.  I had to repeat first grade and learn to read all over again.  Because of this, I have learned to value my education and have made it my first priority.

For some people, it is obvious that they have after effects from their cancer, but mine is less obvious.  Mine is more of an invisible problem, and some people look at me strangely because I am different but they don't have a clue what I am going through.  School is tough for me because of my short term memory.  I have to study twice as long as an average student to learn new material and receive the same grade.  My goal has always been to earn the best grades I can.  It also means that I have to write notes to remind myself of things that I have to do so I don't forget.  I have learned to use patterns and color-coding techniques to help keep me organized and accommodate my needs.

Another side effect from my brain tumor was precocious puberty.  I started puberty at age seven.  In order to grow to a normal height, I had to take Lupron Depot shots every three weeks to suppress the puberty.  Once I turned twelve, we stopped the shots and I have grown and matured normally.

Even though I may not be at the top of my class, I feel proud of the work I have done.  My goal has always been to get all A's and B's.  I want people to know that I am hard-working, and do not give up.  I get frustrated, but brush it off.  I am determined to accomplish my goals no matter what it takes.    

I would rather deal with my short term memory than not be here at all.  Cancer is a life-changing experience and having lived through it gives you a whole new perspective on life.  I have learned not to take life for granted.  It is important to enjoy the experiences that happen now because you may not get the chance to experience them later. 

One opportunity I might have missed out on if I hadn't had a brain tumor is my passion for art.  My mom enrolled me in an art class after the surgery to help me use both sides if my brain.  I found it very relaxing and a way to escape into a whole different world.  Art has been so therapeutic for me that I would open my own art studio when I graduate and teach children to paint.  I feel that I should give back to the people that have helped me so much, and this is just one way that I can.  I would especially like to work with students that have special needs.