Note: This took place in September 2019. While this story is being published on February 21st, today is not Randy’s actual birthday.
I open the door, and to my surprise, I find Randy’s entire family — parents, brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins — gathered around the table in the nurse’s break room. Randy’s mom, Maria, told me that the family would be coming to celebrate his birthday, but I had no clue that the party would be this big! I speak Spanish about as well as I spoke English when I was four years old, so I rely almost completely on Randy to translate his own party for me. He tells me he wants a puppy as a present, we take a picture of his goofy self pretending to take a giant bite out of his cake, and then we bow our heads as Maria blesses the food and prays for Randy’s healing, as she’s done no less than ten thousand times before.
Randy is turning nine today, and his family is celebrating with him on 8 Quarterback, the oncology unit at Children’s of Alabama. I love spending time with his family, and I learn a little bit about him in between playing video games, blowing out candles, and taking family pictures. Randy lifts everyone’s spirits effortlessly, and he’s been fighting cancer since he was five. He no longer walks because he has a tumor on his spine that prevents brain signals from traveling past it. He’s endured not one, but TWO bone marrow transplants in that time, and he easily qualifies for my list of “most strong and courageous people ever.”
Fast forward a couple months, and my mom and I go visit Randy at his house in Montevallo. His fluffy puppy greets us at the front door. We go inside and find Randy posted up on the couch playing his Nintendo Switch, so I make myself comfy next to him, and he shows me his best tricks for winning Mario Cart. In fact, he even lets me play a round. As I cross the finish line, I celebrate, and Maria asks, “you won?!” Randy promptly responds and tells her, “well she was the only one in the race!” FINE RANDY, JUST THROW ME UNDER THE BUS!
Before we say goodbye, Maria tells us that she knows what a miracle my life is, and that she is ready for Randy’s miracle. I’m ready for Randy’s miracle too. He has been through so much at such a young age. In fact, he probably doesn’t even really remember a time where cancer wasn’t a part of his life. Between treatments in Birmingham, recovering at home, and traveling to other hospitals around the country, Randy and his family hold onto their faith. They hold onto hope. They love each other fiercely. They celebrate the time they have together and believe that God will heal Randy and that someday he will walk again, cancer-free, healthy and happy.
I hope you’ll join me in hope for Randy’s healing, sharing his story, and donating to research in his honor. I will do anything to end childhood cancer because Randy is worth it.
Until there’s a cure,
Kayla