A Pasco County teen battling cancer just graduated high school and has an inspiring message.
- Nathan Dodds graduated from homeward bound program
- Dodd battling brain cancer
- Plans to pursue college degree in business
“August 28, 2012 I was diagnosed with brain cancer and since then, I had six brain surgeries and 30 rounds of radiation,” said graduating high school senior Nathan Dodds. “I just try to stay positive. Too many people are negative about life nowadays.”
The teen was also the student speaker at his graduation Tuesday night. Dodd is a student with the homeward bound program. The graduation was held at Wesley Chapel High School.
It was an emotional moment indeed for his mother, Joellen Schell.
“It's been tough and emotionally scary but you know what, you have to stay positive with it and if I didn't stay positive, he's not going to be positive," Schell said. "And when you have brain cancer, that's the worst kind of cancer you can have as a human being. So to just give up is not in our cards.”
Schell had help from teachers like Nathan Howe. He taught the teen in the homeward bound program. He had to watch Dodds fight through some of his toughest days.
“Even when he was falling asleep at the table because of his radiation and his chemo he was, he would do his best. He would say I'm sorry I have to leave and I'd come back and he just kept on it,” Howe said.
It’s another reason why Dodds' cap and gown means so much.
Dodds said he plans to go to college to pursue a degree in business. The teen is already part owner of a hot wing sauce that's sold in stores.