I just want to start by saying that you are not alone.

Out of all of the diseases that are out there, cancer is one that doesn't discriminate. What I mean is that anyone can become a victim of cancer. Young or old, black or white — it doesn't matter.

I, myself, am a cancer patient. Ever since I was 17, I've been fighting it off. Today, I'm 20 — which doesn't seem like much, does it? Let me explain. I was a senior in high school, poised to take on the world after graduation. In March of 2015, I was told that I had a walnut-sized tumor latched to my brain stem.

Why am I telling you this? Like others out there, I was scared — terrified, in fact. How could something like this happen to me?! Of all people, why me?

I want to tell you all that I made it out!

I actually slapped cancer in its dumb face!

Yeah, cool, right? What do you care?

I'm here to tell you that you shouldn't be afraid! You are going to be OK! Whatever it is that you are going through, you can do it!

That huge exam you are about to take? You are going to ace it!

That important meeting you are about to go into? You will be fine!

Why? Because you are strong! Nothing is going to take you down. This is your life!

So take it from me, a 20-year-old, uneducated bonehead. You can do it!