Daughter. Sister. Cousin. Friend. Student. Gymnast. Dancer. Competitor. Performer. Athlete. Fighter. Cancer Survivor… Supergirl! My daughter, Amina, is all of these things and more, and at just eight years old, she is truly inspiring! She shows us every day the way to persevere, to overcome obstacles, and to live in the present with joy and optimism. To me, she is amazing because she can get up on stage and perform her dance routines at a recital, compete in the all-around at her gymnastics competitions, and even ran the 300 meter race last summer – running – not walking - the entire race! After a recent dance performance in front of hundreds of people, she got off the stage and said to me with a huge smile, “I did it!” Amina’s motivation, determination, strength, and resilience have enabled her to thrive, not letting her disability or cancer hold her back. At the age of three, Amina was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). On May 27, 2008, she began what would be a 25 month – two years and one month – cancer journey. During the next two years, she fought for her life – enduring an intensive and prolonged chemotherapy protocol. She had multiple surgeries, blood transfusions, and near daily chemo infusions and medications. She was immune suppressed, leaving her to be very isolated from her friends and classmates. She missed an entire year of school, returning to the classroom the second year whenever possible. But throughout her treatment, Amina persevered – her desire to play, hear music, dance, and keep up with her brothers, kept her progressing and gaining. Throughout it all, she kept her fantastic sense of humor, laughing and giggling, looking adorable in the hats that covered her bald head. And her journey brought our family so many silver linings like our Make-A-Wish Disney trip, Camp Sunshine experience, our meaningful participation as “Amina’s Crew” in the Jimmy Fund Walk, and the support and kindness given to us by others. Amina was an Honored Hero for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and a Pedal Partner for the Pan Mass Challenge, providing inspiration and motivation with her joyful spirit. On June 28, 2010, when she was six, she had her final dose of chemo, at last able to reclaim her childhood. Today, Amina is eight years old, is cancer free, and has many friends and an amazing team who support her. She goes to dance and gymnastics classes with typical kids, performing and competing. And as a new venture, she will be competing in her first Special Olympics at the Summer Games. We count our blessings as we watch her do beautiful cartwheels across the mat, perform a challenging dance sequence on stage, and read 149/150 sight words on a reading test. We see her run on the playground with friends, holding her beloved Barbies, her now long brown hair blowing in the wind, and we remember how lucky we are that she is a fighter, a survivor, a precious gift... our Supergirl!