A Night Under the Sea

At 18, D’Sada Smith carries wisdom beyond her years. The youngest of five, she cherishes time with family and loves baking, traveling and spending time with friends.

In March 2024, she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare cancer that affects nerve tissue. Her journey has shaped her outlook on life.

“You never know what other people are going through, and it’s important to give others grace,” she says. Her experience has only strengthened her kindness and compassion.

Now a high school senior, D’Sada is looking ahead to college, with plans to pursue a career in pediatric health care or esthetician work.

At 14, Billy Cronin is a dedicated athlete and student at Cross Middle School.

In September 2024, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, which led to the amputation of his lower leg.

Billy has loved sports since he was 3 years old, trying nearly every game imaginable. But basketball is his passion. As a small forward and shooting guard, he admires his favorite player, Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics. Billy recently received the surprise of a lifetime - thanks to Make-A-Wish, he will soon meet the Celtics.

Billy doesn’t just watch the game; he plays. In 2024, he was invited to attend a University of Arizona Men’s Basketball summer camp led by coach Tommy Lloyd.

Next year, he’ll start high school at Canyon del Oro, where he’s already an honorary member of the basketball team. He sits with on the bench during home games, suited up in warm-ups, with his sights set on stepping onto the court as a freshman in the fall.