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     In life everyone faces obstacles, but it is how we overcome them that truly shape us.  The lessons we learn can empower and motivate us towards success in our future endeavors.  My personal obstacle was battling and defeating cancer.  I was diagnosed with a Wilms tumor on my kidney and had both the tumor and kidney removed.  At the age of three, I was not prepared for this battle.  Still, as it often happens, the lessons I learned from my experience is what mattered the most.  Not realizing it at the time, overcoming cancer helped to mold me into the person I am today.  This difficult experience helped me to grow into a humble, resilient and unique person. 

     The news my family was about to receive was unimaginable.  During my nightly bath, my father noticed a large lump on my side.  Startled by the lump's size and appearance, my family rushed me to the hospital.  Despite taking me to the pediatrician for stomach pain two weeks prior, my parents knew something was not right.  I was diagnosed with a stage three Wilms tumor on my left kidney.  My family was utterly devastated.  This could not be happening to their happy, healthy three years old.  During a grueling five month hospital say, I endured several rounds of chemotherapy treatments.  I did not understand exactly what was happening to me, but I knew it was not good.  Those five months were the toughest for my family, but they gave me the strength to fight by offering their unwavering support system.  Even though I knew they were upset, they never let me see it.  They were a constant source of positivity and encouragement.

     Throughout my battle, I was often very weak and spent many nights afraid and upset.  Even simple tasks like eating became a challenge so my parents would play games to distract me so I would eat.  They made numerous sacrifices to bring some sense of normalcy to my life.  It is difficult to look at something tragic as a good experience, but since battling cancer I have come to realize that my life is blessed.  When I am having a bad day, I purposely remind myself of my fight and the struggle that other sick children face every day.  My yearly cancer screenings are a constant reminder of how fortunate I really am to be alive.

     From a very young age my parents instilled in me the importance of faith.  During my battle, I knew that God was by my side every step of the way.  I relied on my relationship with God as a source of strength and guidance, and now that I am cancer free, my life is filled with happiness and joy.  In addition, my spiritual growth and my physical improvement since recovery have been extraordinary.  I have developed into a strong and healthy man who excels in both academics and athletics; a far cry from those nights in the hospital bed.  Emotionally, I have emerged from my struggle to become a strong-willed person who can handle adversity.  Surviving cancer does not define me; however, it is a representation of my spiritual, physical and emotional progression. 

     Obstacles in life are often a difficult concept to understand. Why do these things happen to us?  People say, everything happens for a reason, but it is challenging to find the good when you are in a difficult situation. The lessons I learned have become invaluable and I will be forever grateful for my second chance at life. I have been given an opportunity to share my story and hopefully encourage others in their fight.

1. What school are you attending?

University of Cincinnati

2. What is your major?

Nursing

3. What are your interests and hobbies?

I enjoy hanging out with friends, playing sports especially basketball.

4.  What plans do you have after you graduate?

I plan on attending graduate school and becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

5.  Share whatever you would like about who Riley Haubner is.

My favorite season is summer and I graduated from La Salle High School in 2018. I was voted all-state in basketball my senior year as well as league player of the year. I am the youngest of three and have a niece and nephew. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio.