Nationwide — Makayla Nelson, an African American teen from Tyler, Texas, will graduate from Tyler High School after having survived cancer four times during her childhood. Even as she celebrates the milestone, she continues to undergo treatment after overcoming repeated diagnoses.
Nelson was diagnosed in sixth grade with kidney cancer after stomach pain led to a hospital visit. She underwent surgery, and doctors removed her left kidney.
In the years that followed, cancer returned multiple times and spread to her lungs and brain. She went through several rounds of treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell transplants.
Her mother, Sherree Nelson, said early on, the focus shifted from long-term dreams to smaller goals like finishing middle school. She described the experience as emotionally heavy, as the illness kept returning.
Despite everything, Nelson reached graduation day at Tyler High School in Tyler, Texas. She said the moment felt unreal after everything she had gone through.
“I think maybe in awe at the fact that I went through so many things. Yet here I am on stage, graduating,” she told 11Alive.
In April 2026, doctors diagnosed her again with a brain tumor. She remains in treatment while waiting for the next medical plan.
Nelson said she draws strength from faith, family, and determination as she continues her fight. She tries to stay positive even during difficult moments.
“I’m trying to be optimistic and positive, but sometimes it’s hard,” she said. “I’m trying my best to remain positive, and whatever the doctors tell me they think is best, that’s what I’m going to do.”
She plans to attend UT Tyler and study pediatric oncology nursing. She hopes to use her experience to help other children facing cancer.