This is a photo of my best friend and I -- my Grandma Smiley and I. Grandma Smiley was first diagnosed with Llukemia in 2000. Until just recently she was still fighting, 15 years later.
My Grandma Smiley is the toughest person I know. I spent countless weekends with her, getting spoiled with her kindness. I'll never forget how she would always take me to Taco Bell for dinner, and we would watch TV while we ate - two things my parents would never let me do. And waking up at Grandma Smiley's always meant waking up to the best homemade waffles you'll ever have.
Losing her was the hardest thing I have ever been through, and I miss her more and more every day. Her fight ended May 23, 2015. My heart still hurts everyday wishing for a chance to give her one more hug, but I find peace in continuing to do all I can in the fight against cancer. I am confident that one day leukemia will be a thing of the past.