Finalist in “Dear Cancer, It’s Me”

Senior Alex Pineda was a finalist in the Dear Cancer, Its Me essay contest.

Dion Mazor

Senior Alex Pineda was a finalist in the “Dear Cancer, It’s Me” essay contest.

Adrianna Rojas

From nervous and doubtful to liberated and stronger than ever, senior Alex Pineda shared her aunt’s story in the “Dear Cancer, It’s Me” essay contest in early February.

When Pineda first heard about the scholarship opportunity, she was hesitant. Through the support of school librarian Tamara Celi, she was inspired to tell her story.

Pineda wrote about her aunt, her biggest inspiration of all and had seen such bravery and strength during her aunt’s cancer battle.

“Writing the essay was a little hard at first because I was bringing all the memories back to my attention but writing and getting it out there really lifted a weight off my shoulders,” Pineda said.

Pineda made it to the finalist dinner held at the Cancer Support Community in Westlake Village on April 18. She took home a certificate for becoming a finalist.

“My favorite part  (of the dinner) was when the winners gave their acceptance speeches because even though they were sad and crying, it showed me how we all went through it differently but we can all relate and be there for each other,” Pineda said.