OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Blaine Baxley was only 19 months old when she was first diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Like most of us at that age, she doesn’t remember much from that time.
“I was very young when I was first diagnosed, so the remembrance of that time was from my mom educating me on what I went through,” she says.
Blaine’s first battle with leukemia lasted two years. After enduring grueling treatments, she finally rang the bell, signifying her remission.
“After those two years, I was healthy and active and playing sports,” Blaine recalls. “I was enjoying life in my elementary years.”
By the time she completed elementary school, Blaine was ready to embrace the summer before starting sixth grade. It was August of 2013, just days before middle school was set to begin. She had spent the day outside in the Florida heat with her mother, soaking in the last moments of summer in their hometown of Ocala. But that evening, something felt off.
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Her eyes began to swell—severely. They were so swollen that she struggled to read the words in her summer reading book.
At first, her mother assumed it was an irritation from playing in the pool, but as the swelling persisted and Blaine complained of exhaustion, they decided to visit their local doctor.
Following an MRI and an eye exam, the doctor determined that further testing was necessary. He advised Blaine’s family to head to Gainesville and seek care at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital.
“At the time, we didn’t know what was wrong,” Blaine recalls.
At Shands, doctors discovered a mass in her optic nerve. A biopsy was performed, and four days later, Blaine and her family received the devastating news—her leukemia had returned.
A Middle School Journey Marked by Strength
Blaine’s second bout with leukemia defined much of her middle school years. She spent months in and out of the hospital, commuting between home and treatment centers. Even when she attempted to return to school, her weakened immune system frequently forced her back into the hospital.
“I’d go back to school, and then I’d get sick and have to go back to the hospital,” she says.
Unlike her peers, who were experiencing the growth and social changes of middle school, Blaine was focused on survival.
“The time period that I was diagnosed was a big growth period for not just students but individuals… I never really had that,” she says. “I was focusing on survival during that time period instead of living like a young middle school kid… I feel like I had a part of my life taken away.”
For nearly four years, Blaine endured treatments that tested her physically and emotionally. But she refused to let cancer define her.
“I was very driven when I was going through the treatments… I would always push myself to be better every day because there were many things I had to do to maintain my strength,” she says.
Despite the setbacks, Blaine remained resilient. And after four long years, she rang the bell for the second time, officially marking her remission.
Embracing a Second Chance at Life
Returning to a “normal” life before high school was not easy, but Blaine refused to dwell on the difficulties. Instead, she chose to focus on gratitude.
“One thing I have focused on since my battle with cancer is focusing on joy and being driven in every aspect of life,” she says. “Every day, I try to live my life now with positive energy. I’m very outgoing and enthusiastic, and that’s only heightened now because of everything I’ve been through.”
Blaine has now been in remission for nearly a decade. Looking back on her journey, she acknowledges the unwavering support system that helped her through the toughest times.
“Knock on wood, everything has been going well now. I’m 23 years old, graduated college, and have been in remission for over nine years,” she says with pride. “I was lucky to have a very good support system from my family, especially my mother, who was there during my entire journey, every single day.”
One of the key figures in Blaine’s treatment was Dr. Bill Slayton, who stood by her throughout her chemotherapy treatments. Even years after her remission, the two shared a special bond—one that extended beyond the hospital walls.
“It was during COVID… we did a Christmas jingle together that he mashed up,” she says. “It was a great opportunity to have with him.”
Paying It Forward: Advocating for Cancer Awareness
This past May, Blaine graduated from Stetson University and now works as a traveling admissions recruiter. She frequently visits cities like Jacksonville and Ocala, spreading awareness about the university and its programs.
During her college years, Blaine became heavily involved in philanthropic efforts. She joined a sorority organization that raised money for breast cancer education and awareness. She also participated in “Hatterthon,” a Children’s Miracle Network movement supporting Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.
Among the many causes she champions, one remains close to her heart: fundraisers that provide comfort to young cancer patients.
“I would get so excited just to receive a stuffed animal, whether it be a teddy bear or a dolphin,” she says. “When I was in the hospital, there were periods of time where little things would be able to take my mind off all the aspects that I didn’t understand as an 11-year-old.”
For Blaine, fundraisers like the Stop Children’s Cancer Bear-A-Thon serve as a reminder of the power of generosity and kindness.
“Those types of fundraisers that give back to the patients, their families, and cancer research are priceless,” she says.
Today, Blaine continues to live her life with purpose, cherishing every moment and inspiring others with her resilience. Through her experiences, she hopes to remind people that even in the face of adversity, joy can be found, and strength can be built.
She has not just survived—she has thrived.