Girl battling cancer honored with award at Aurora, Illinois City Council meeting
AURORA, Ill. (CBS) -- A 12-year-old girl battling cancer received a special honor in Aurora Tuesday night.
Abigail Ayala was honored with the Award of Valor at an Aurora City Council meeting. The award coincides with World Cancer Day, this past Sunday, and the first anniversary of Abigail's diagnosis on Wednesday.
Abigail, a sixth grader, was diagnosed with a desmoplastic small round cell tumor – an aggressive sarcoma – that required significant surgery. She is also now completing her 18th and final round of chemotherapy before beginning radiation, the City of Aurora said.
Her mother, Sandra, called her daughter a warrior who learned to be strong and resilient despite adversity.
Mayor Richard Irvin presented Abigail with the award and gifts during Tuesday night's council meeting.