Amy Flores is a healthy track athlete and she loves what she does. Was it always like this though? When Amy was only eight years old she got diagnosed with a rare kidney cancer called Wilms Tumor.

Wilms Tumor is a type of cancer that starts in the kidneys. It is the most common type of kidney cancer in children. Tumor suppressor genes generally hold back tumor growth and control cell growth.

The symptoms were first noticed when Amy was in the third grade. Everything seemed to be normal until she began to throw up and was sent home. After being sent home, her father noticed a bump on Amy’s stomach and knew something was not right with the health of his daughter. They scheduled an appointment with her primary care pediatrician, and received devastating news.  The doctor told them that she had to be treated at a hospital, due to a tumor forming in her kidneys. Flores was then rushed to the hospital.

Amy fought this cancer for a whole year, missing most of the third grade. Fortunately, most kids with Wilms Tumor survive and go on to live normal, healthy lives, just like Amy does! When Amy went back to school months later, her classmates welcomed her with love and open arms, although even though some classmates asked if she was a guy because she lost all her hair.

Amy Flores was born October 30th, 2003 and is currently in the 8th grade.