With the support of her family, medical team, and the people who surrounded her throughout her journey, Alizza completed treatment. Today, she is a senior at Liberty High School, a student-athlete, a wrestler, and a young woman with big goals for her future.
On Saturday, Alizza was invited to speak about her journey at the annual Trees of Hope event, alongside Mayor Goh. She shared her story not simply to talk about what she endured, but to remind others that the moment they are in does not have to determine the rest of their story.
“Cancer will always be part of my story, but it does not define who I am,” Alizza shared. “Instead, my experience created a fire in me to work hard, appreciate life, and never allow difficult circumstances to determine what I am capable of accomplishing.”
Alizza’s wrestling coach, Paul Garcia, encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone and share her story. He admitted she was nervous when he first asked her to speak, but he knew she was capable.
“She, like a wrestler with confidence, knew she could do it,” Garcia shared. “She prepared herself, stepped up and did fantastic. So proud of her and where she’s gotten in life so far. Excited to see her compete with the same drive, passion and heart this season and in life.”
Coach Garcia also brought two vans full of Liberty wrestlers to the event to stand beside Alizza and show their support. What began as an opportunity to support their teammate quickly became a meaningful experience for the entire team.
“It was so awesome to see people walk up to Alizza and thank her for sharing her story,” Garcia said. “Not just kids, but adults. Tears in their eyes and cracks in their voice when they spoke to her.”
Garcia told Alizza and her family that he believes the adversity she experienced has given her an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.
“I told her and her family that her adversity and overcoming it was a gift from God,” he shared. “This was an opportunity He gave her to inspire others and give them hope, young and old.”
For Alizza’s teammates, the day provided a perspective that went far beyond wrestling.
Junior Joy Velasquez said she was deeply impacted by hearing the stories of cancer patients, survivors, and families. She reflected on how easy it can be to take life for granted until we are reminded how precious it really is.
“Before going to the event I didn’t know my teammate Alizza had cancer when she was young. I would never have known if no one ever told me,” Joy shared. “I have always viewed Alizza as strong and a very good wrestler and overall a funny person. But seeing her talk about her life and her cancer and hearing her say she’s a survivor of cancer made me have much more respect for her than before.”
Joy said the experience changed the way she sees her teammate.
“I not only saw a fierce wrestler, but I saw a young woman that has faced fierce challenges and despite them not being on a wrestling mat, she still dominated,” she said.
Joy also spoke about the importance of the wrestling team showing up for one another.
“I believe us showing up to support showed that despite us only being on the same wrestling team and aren’t blood related, we are still all a family,” she said. “A family that despite its ups and downs will always be there for each other. I am grateful I am a part of this wrestling family. I wouldn’t ask for another team because the Liberty wrestling team is my family and my home.”
Sophomore Caylie McElroy also found meaning in the experience, particularly in hearing Alizza's message.
“It was really nice to hear Alizza’s speech and I feel like it can really change someone’s perspective,” Caylie shared. “I learned that if you have cancer, that does not define you and who you really are. It was really nice to tie the ribbons on the trees for those who struggle or loved ones struggle with cancer.”
For senior Lucas Mord, the day served as a reminder that even small acts of support can make a significant difference.
“Yesterday was more than just community service,” Lucas shared. “It was an opportunity to remember the people in my life who have fought cancer and stand beside those still in the fight. Hearing Alizza’s story was reinvigorating. I learned that even in the darkest times we still have the choice to be a light and that showing a little support can go a long way.”
That message feels especially meaningful at Liberty this year.
Our theme is “Be a Light,” and Alizza is living that message. She has taken one of the most difficult chapters of her life and is using it to bring hope to others. She reminds us that we may not be able to see what comes next when we are in the middle of something difficult. We may only be able to see the next treatment, the next appointment, the next difficult day, or the next challenge.
But the story does not end there.
Today, Alizza is preparing for college and a future career in nursing, with a special interest in oncology. She hopes one day to care for and encourage patients and families in the same way nurses, doctors, and healthcare professionals cared for her.
Her journey from a six-year-old fighting leukemia to a senior, student-athlete, wrestler, and nine-year survivor is a powerful reminder that our hardest moments can shape us without defining us.
Sometimes being a light means sharing our story. Sometimes it means showing up for someone else. Sometimes it means simply reminding someone who is struggling that they are not alone.
Thank you, Alizza, for having the courage to share your story and for giving others a reason to believe in what is possible beyond the moment they are in. We are proud to call you a Patriot.