Seventeen-year-old Raymond Cruz recently completed his chemotherapy and radiation treatments after being diagnosed with Stage IV Ewing’s Like Sarcoma on January of 2017. Through this battle he was given the opportunity to share his message of hope with people, from the hallways of Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital to the stage of the Ryman. “We cannot choose what happens in our life, but we can choose how to respond” is a message that continues to inspire. It is Raymond’s hope to one day start his own foundation to help other kids in their own fight with cancer. Raymond also looks forward to pursuing his dream of becoming a professional singer and attending Middle Tennessee State University in the fall. If you would like to follow his story, search #RayStrong on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Every child who has been diagnosed with childhood cancer inspires us to Rally On to find better treatments with fewer long-term side effects and, ultimately, cures. Please join us in the fight against childhood cancer by making a donation or setting up your own Rally fundraiser today.