The word “delight” means happiness, joy. Thirteen-year-old Delight lives up to her name, finding happiness and joy despite the challenges of her cancer journey.

Delight was diagnosed with leukemia at age nine, two years after her family’s move to NJ from abroad. Delight’s mother received a work permit and her older sister enrolled at Rutgers University. The family settled into their new home with assistance from their local church.

Then cancer upended their comfortable existence in the U.S. Delight’s mom was unable to continue working because her daughter needed constant care. They had to move to a new apartment closer to the treatment center and free of the stairs Delight began having trouble navigating due to disabling side effects from the chemotherapy, including high blood pressure, diabetes and extreme weight gain.

The social worker at the treatment center referred Delight’s family to ECF, which offered emotional support to the mom, delivered groceries to their home, and assisted them in obtaining donations of furniture, cooking utensils and a car. Throughout their ordeal, Delight and her mother never complained about their challenges, just taking life one day at a time.          

As Delight eventually responded well to the treatment, her mother was able to return to work, taking a position working at night, while her older daughter was home with Delight. The family could finally support themselves again and moved back to their original neighborhood to a new apartment. 

Now, almost 4 years since Delight was first diagnosed, she is done with treatment, visiting the doctor monthly to track her progress. Before the coronavirus hit, Delight enjoyed being back at school and taking dance classes. Despite the current COVID-related restrictions, Delight continues to focus on her schoolwork through distance learning and hanging out with her family at home.