Zion is a bright and thoughtful teenager with a passion for science, reading and music. But last year, a routine sports physical changed her life when doctors discovered a lump in her neck. Further testing revealed that she had lymphoma, a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system.

Just two days later, Zion began treatment at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, starting a difficult journey that would challenge her physically and emotionally.

Lymphoma develops when certain cells of the lymphatic system, particularly lymphocytes, begin growing abnormally and uncontrollably. The two main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Depending on the type and stage, treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted medicines, immunotherapy or a combination of approaches. Symptoms can vary, but may include swollen lymph nodes, unexplained fever, night sweats, fatigue and unintended weight loss.

For Zion, her experience with treatment became the inspiration behind a deeply personal custom shoe. She chose embossed white leather for a clean, classic design that reflects her personality, while embroidered roses across the Swoosh represent her journey through cancer treatment.

“When you’re starting treatment, you feel pretty small, like a closed rosebud. But your bravery helps you bloom and in the end, you grow beautiful and strong,” Zion explains.

Her journey is not over yet. More treatment lies ahead, and that reality is reflected in another powerful detail on her shoe: the word “survivor” printed on the sockliner and outsole.

Zion says she has been described as courageous and strong throughout her experience, but “survivor” carries a special meaning because it reminds her that she can make it through the difficult moments.

Beyond her strength, Zion remains a fun-loving teenager who enjoys playing piano, singing, spending time with friends and being a big sister to her one-year-old sister, Penelope. Zion affectionately calls the joy her little sister brings “baby therapy,” saying Penny can make her laugh even when she is having a difficult day.

She also credits her medical team at Doernbecher for standing beside her throughout treatment.

“It helps to know that the doctors have my back and are fighting for me and with me,” she says.

Looking toward the future, Zion hopes to become a pediatric oncologist. After experiencing the challenges of cancer treatment herself, she dreams of one day helping other young patients navigate their own difficult journeys.

For Zion, the rose on her shoe is more than a design. It represents a journey from feeling like a closed bud to finding the courage to bloom — and a reminder that even during the hardest chapters, strength can continue to grow.

source: https://ohsufoundation.org/stories/freestyle-2019-zion/