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Jessie's Graduation
July 4, 2008 |
In October we introduced you to Jessie Fuentes. The 18-year-old was
simultaneously fighting cancer and working to earn her high school diploma. She
said, “I wake up like really early in the morning and then I just start
working.”
Jessie’s mom, Mary Ann, was proud to see her daughter working so hard to reach
her goals. “She only has three credits to go and that’s her main focus. I think
that’s what gets her through every day is wanting to graduate high school.” The
majority of Jessie’s senior year was spent in a hospital bed. For several months
the teen underwent intense cancer treatments. Mary Ann said, “Kind of makes you
wonder how can a child go through that and still come out with a smile. Jessie
is having to fight for everything. As seniors, you know, it’s the most important
year and she had to give up senior day - grad night, prom, she had to give all
that up.”
But Laurie Gill, a teacher with The Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida,
wanted to make sure Jessie did not have to give up on graduating high school.
From Jessie’s bedside Laurie taught everything from economics to American
government. Jessie’s mom hoped her hard work would pay off in a big way. “I
think the day she graduates I don’t know how to describe the feeling I’m going
to have because I’ll be proud, ecstatic,” she said. And as for Jessie, she knew
the end would be well worth the means. “I think getting a high school diploma
should be something worth willing to fight for.”
Last month Jessie won that fight. In June the cancer survivor officially became
a high school graduate. Mary Ann said, “That’s my girl. That’s all I can say is
that’s my girl.” A girl who’s determination is nothing less than inspiring.
Jessie’s health continues to improve. Her next goal is to graduate college and
become a registered nurse. |
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