September 2024

“In March 2024, a lump was found in Xanai’s mouth during a routine dental cleaning. A few weeks after a biopsy, in May 2024, Xanai’s mother, Michelle, received a call from the surgeon stating the pathology report was confirmed for chondroblastic osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. At just 10 years old and in the 5th grade, Xanai is still trying to adjust to the diagnosis. Her love for school and being a social butterfly, often make her feel sad since she cannot attend school physically. While Xanai is currently receiving chemo treatments at UNC Cancer Hospital, she constantly keeps other encouraged with her charismatic spirit, her jokes, love for music and cats, and her infamous British/Australian accent. The family leans on their family, both physically and spiritually, as they navigate a new normal. Xanai and her sisters are very close, despite their age gaps and that is what keeps Xanai motivated to fight.”
— Xanai and her family