Shelby Purvis is a 17-year-old with a passion for pastry! She is a talented art student with plans to head off to college at Johnson and Wales University to study culinary arts and become a pastry chef after high school. Shelby’s interest in culinary arts has been fostered by getting to spend time with Chef Gordon Ramsay on two occasions.

A year ago Shelby was having unexplained fevers and aches. Weeks of tests and misdiagnoses of flu and mono led to a barrage of other concerns. Days after her 16th birthday, Shelby needed a transfusion, which ultimately led to a diagnosis of leukemia.

Shelby’s father wrote, about getting a cancer diagnosis, “It's not the news you want to hear, but the diagnosis ends the wondering about why my child is sick. Now there is a plan. Now there is action. Life will be different for the next couple of years, but there are a lot of blessings too... take time to enjoy them.”

Shelby had a port installed, completed IV chemo treatments and is now on pill maintenance. She had a mini-stroke due to her spinal chemo, so she now has MRIs and spinal taps on a monthly basis to monitor and manage that aspect of treatment. Throughout it all, she has been a trooper.

Shelby had always tended to be shy, but having cancer has led her to speak out about her experience. She has had videos shot of her story, has spoken to the media and has blossomed into an inspiring voice about childhood cancer in her region. In her Dad’s words, “Children can be world-changers,” and Shelby is definitely creating an impact by sharing the story of her experience.

Hero Quote: When Shelby's hair started coming out, she took the initiative and wanted to shave her head. When asked about being bald she said, "I don't care about my hair. People will stare. I have cancer and I'm taking control of this."

Information provided by Jim Purvis, Shelby’s father
April 2014