Charlize is a huge foodie and thinks Thanksgiving is the perfect holiday. She loves the color purple, and like most 17-year-old girls, enjoys spending time on her phone. Coming from a big family, Charlize is the third of six children, but the love she shows them is abundant enough to cover all her brothers and sisters as well as her nephew and niece.

At the age of 7, Charlize began having medical issues. A trip to the doctor unveiled a tumor that had grown in her spinal cord, near her neck. By the age of 15, the cancer had spread throughout her brain.

Over the years, Charlize has been battling bravely through chemotherapy treatments, which she receives every other week. She lives with her mom and two younger siblings, but recently her mom’s car broke down. Due to the current pandemic, Charlize and her mom have been unable to take the bus or train, so making it to her treatment appointments has been tough. Fortunately, they have been able to rely on the kindness of others to assist them with rides, so Charlize can keep fighting. Her family is also appreciative of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for providing them with groceries during these trying times through their COVID-19 Emergency Fund.

Information provided by Jennifer Tart, Charlize's mom

Updated June 2020