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Miami Nonprofit Raises Funds for Pediatric Cancer Research

"I believe I was assigned this mountain to show others it could be moved."

Just as Bianca Maderal was preparing to graduate high school, she was diagnosed with stage 3 brain cancer.

Doctors discovered eight malignant tumors, but Maderal was determined to fight the battle.

Almost four years later, Maderal is still battling cancer. Although her diagnosis changed her life, she chose to maintain a positive attitude and make a difference in the lives of other children who are also battling the disease.

"I believe I was assigned this mountain to show others it could be moved," said Maderal.

In 2016 Maderal founded a nonprofit organization called Fight Like a Kid. She organizes several events per year to raise money to fund pediatric cancer research.

"I'm not thankful for cancer, but I'm thankful for what it has taught me," she said. "You have to enjoy life today because yesterday is gone and tomorrow is not promised."

Maderal also puts a smile on the faces of other cancer patients around the United States by putting together care packages. These care packages contain everything from blankets to coloring books so that kids feel much more comfortable and at ease while undergoing chemo treatments.

"In my eyes, it is cancer's turn to be afraid," she said.

Maderal isn't giving up any time soon. She will soon graduate college with a bachelor's degree and plans to become a pediatric oncologist.

According to the American Cancer Society, after accidents, cancer is the second leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 14. The organization says childhood cancer rates have been rising slightly for the past few decades.

If you'd like to donate to Fight Like a Kid, visit fightinglikeakid.org.  Each care package sent to pediatric cancer patients at hospitals across the country costs about $25.

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