12-Year-Old Boy Ready To Return To School Following Cancer Battle
NORTH HIGHLANDS (CBS13) - A 12-year-old boy celebrated life at Freedom Park Sunday after a diagnosis one year ago stopped his family in their tracks.
"It was by far the worst day of my life. It felt like a nightmare I couldn't wake up from," said Jeannie Hood.
One year ago, Jeannie and her family got devastating news.
"All I could do was cry and ask 'why,' " said Jeannie. "I just kept asking God, 'why, why, why my baby?' "
Her now-12-year-old son Josh was having headaches, trouble walking and losing weight.
"They told us he was dehydrated with the flu," said Jeannie.
After an MRI, doctors found it was much more serious. Josh had a brain tumor.
"My whole entire life stopped. My whole world came tumbling down when we found out," said Jeannie.
Jeannie was in school, working nights, raising Josh and his two younger brothers when cancer took over their life.
"I'm a better fighter than most people are," said Josh.
Josh stayed positive, kept his smile and stayed strong.
"He is a lot stronger than me and his dad," said Jeannie.
He feels good and is almost ready to get back to the life he's missed.
"Run and play sports again like he used to, and not be so tired," said Jeannie.
Josh is now cancer free and getting to smile for the first time in a while.
At his celebration, he was surprised with a bounce house, an iPad and $600 in gift cards to help with heading back to school.
Josh will be healthy enough to start school in November. He's entering the 7th grade.
