Pushing Through: A Senior Year Defined by Strength, Faith, and Hope

This year has brought some unexpected challenges, but it has also shown just how much strength, determination, and hope one young man carries with him.

As a senior in high school, he is looking forward to graduation, exploring the world of work, and turning 18. But getting to this point has required him to push through a difficult medical journey, including a week-long hospital stay and a diagnosis of kidney disease.

An Unexpected Medical Journey

One of the things he remembers most about his time at Phoenix Children’s Hospital is waking up in the early hours of the morning—sometimes around 2 or 3 a.m.—to take his medicine.

Learning that he needed help with his kidneys came as a surprise.

“I was surprised because I didn’t expect it at all because I felt fine,” he recalls.

The experience has been one of the hardest parts of his year. Being in the hospital for a week and receiving his kidney disease diagnosis was difficult, but he has found ways to keep moving forward.

When things get tough, his approach is simple: push through.

He credits the Lord, along with the people who love him, for helping him stay strong.

“My family and friends” are a big part of that support system.

Looking Ahead to Senior Year and Beyond

Despite everything he has faced, he is excited about being a senior.

“I’m excited to graduate. I feel good about it.”

Graduation is only one of the milestones he is looking forward to. Through the WORKS program, he is excited about gaining real-world experience, earning money, and learning new skills.

One of the jobs he would especially like to try is working at the stock shop. The opportunity appeals to him because it would allow him to work with animals while also helping with recycling.

And when he thinks about his longer-term future, he already has an idea of where he wants to go.

“I would love to work in construction,” he says. “Because I wanna do what my dad does.”

His teachers are also an important part of helping him reach those goals. When school becomes overwhelming, he knows he has people in his corner.

“My teachers, Mr. Cowls helps me a lot.”

Building Strength—Inside and Out

Strength has taken on a special meaning for him this year.

He recently began strength training because he wants to build muscle and regain the strength he has lost.

For him, getting stronger isn’t just about physical fitness. It’s another way of moving forward and preparing for what comes next, including surgery.

His determination to rebuild his strength reflects the same mindset he has carried throughout his medical journey: keep pushing and don’t give up.

The Things That Make Him Who He Is

Beyond school and health, he’s a teenager who enjoys many of the same things as his peers.

One of his favorite ways to relax is playing video games, with Madden 26 at the top of his list.

He’s also a football fan. His favorite team is the Cowboys, and football is the sport he most enjoys watching and playing.

Faith and community are important parts of his life, too. At church, he especially enjoys worshiping and socializing.

And when it comes to feeling safe and supported, he knows he can count on his family.

“They’re being there for me and supporting me and everything I need.”

A Year to Be Proud Of

Looking back on this year, there is one thing he is especially proud of: simply having the strength to make it through.

“Being able to live and having the strength to get through this.”

That perspective says a lot about the journey he’s been on.

This hasn’t been an easy year. There have been hospital stays, difficult news, medications, and uncertainty. But there have also been opportunities to grow stronger, plans for the future, family and friends who continue to stand beside him, and reasons to look forward.

Now, his eyes are on what’s next.

When asked what he is looking forward to most right now, his answer is short and full of anticipation:

“Turning 18.”

For a young man who has already faced more than he expected this year, turning 18 represents more than just another birthday. It’s another milestone—and another reminder that there’s still so much ahead.