This "When I Grow Up" Photo Series Spotlights Kids Battling Serious Illnesses, and It's Empowering

Updated on Sep 12, 2019 at 4:05 PM

Whether your kids are just turning 5 years old or applying to college, it's safe to say that most of them daydream about what they're going to be when they grow up. Some imagine being firefighters, others want to be doctors, and the dream of becoming a ballet dancer can utterly consume your child. But for parents who have children battling cancer, thinking about their little ones' futures can be daunting. Recently, the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta staged an empowering photo shoot with some of their young patients from the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center to prove that every child should look ahead. The moving photos depict kids of all ages with various illnesses set in their dream job — whether it's studying marine life, cooking, or playing soccer — and it's beyond moving. Keep reading to learn about each child and how they plan to change the world.

Dakota, 9, Marine Biologist

"For several weeks, Dakota complained about her vision being blurry when she was in class. After trips to the pediatrician, ophthalmologist, and an MRI at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Dakota was diagnosed with juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (JPA), a rare childhood brain tumor. Her tumor is in both parts of the thalamus, which has a main function in the body to relay motor and sensory signals to the cerebral cortex. For Dakota specifically, the tumor was sitting on her optic nerve. Dakota began chemotherapy treatments on April 26, 2019. As a chronic illness, Dakota's brain tumor will need to be monitored every three months moving forward, making sure it doesn't grow. The outgoing, spunky little girl who aspires to be a marine biologist one day, was excited to start fourth grade this August. She currently has a 100 in her science class and loves watching Animal Planet."

Matthew, 16, Doctor and Researcher

"Matthew's cancer journey began in 2016. A swollen neck brought him to Children's, and after an MRI and blood tests, Matthew was diagnosed with Pediatric T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. He began treatment at 13 years old, underwent a blood and marrow transplant (BMT) at 14, and not long after turning 16 years old, Matthew's cancer relapsed, and he underwent yet another BMT four months later. Today, Matthew is in remission and looks forward to returning to school in November, as the 11th-grader has had to take online classes for the last few years while his body heals from having cancer treatments. And while graduation is still more than a year away for Matthew, he does have dreams of one day working in a forensics lab in the healthcare industry, helping come up with treatments to heal people like him one day.

Andrew, 7, Soccer Player

"After struggling to breathe on the basketball court last winter and multiple visits to the pediatrician, Andrew was referred to the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Emergency Department for additional blood work. And just two days before Thanksgiving 2018, they received very difficult news — Andrew was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Andrew was immediately admitted into the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center to begin chemotherapy treatments. Today, Andrew is in the maintenance phase, which will last about two years and includes additional medicine and checkups for monitoring the disease. Andrew is excited to return to playing soccer, a sport he loves because of the nonstop running and scoring goals."

Alivia, 7, Hairstylist

"After strep throat didn't go away with antibiotics, blood work indicated Alivia had acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Her first round of chemo wasn't helping get rid of the leukemia, so doctors scheduled Alivia to undergo a blood and marrow transplant (BMT) on Aug. 27, 2019. She will remain in the hospital for about 100 days, first in the BMT Unit for post-transplant observation and care, then the remainder of her time in the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House."

"When treatment for the transplant is completed, Alivia looks forward to going home, and she hopes her hair grows back curly and that her mom can dye it pink just like her favorite wig. Alivia's mom, Denise, has been a hair stylist for 11 years. Alivia has told her that she, too, would like to be a stylist when she grows up. She loves to shampoo hair, blow dry it, and flat iron it. She's trying to learn how to make curls."

Ariana, 15, Chef

"Ariana was born with sickle cell disease and began treatment at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta almost immediately. In 2013, she underwent a blood and marrow transplant (BMT), which cures sickle cell disease. Not long after the procedure, Ariana was diagnosed with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and was hospitalized for upward of six months for GVHD treatment and was even placed on life support at one point during the recovery."

"Ariana has found peace and happiness in cooking while recovering from the BMT and staying in the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House. She has even participated in MasterChef Junior. Her favorite thing to cook is chicken alfredo, in addition to baking cupcakes for patients who are staying in the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House."