The Smart, Advocating Cheerleader

What if I told you I was an advocate for kids with cancer?

You might say I should focus on happy things,

focus on the things happening near me,

or let the parents do the advocating.

What if I told you I am a cheerleader?

You might say it's not a sport,

focus on your education,

or smart kids don't do cheer.

What if I told you my GPA was high?

You would praise me for my work,

you would tell me I had my priorities straight,

you would tell me you were proud.

But why don't the things I take pride in count?

Raising awareness for sick kids makes me happy,

I advocate for kids near me too,

the parents of these kids have enough to worry about,

why can't I help?

Cheerleading is my pride and joy,

why is it degraded to "not a sport"?

Am I dumb because I do cheer?

If you looked me up in the dictionary what would you find?

A childhood cancer advocate,

a cheerleader with good grades,

someone who is proud of what she does.

I am proud that I can balance worrying about sick kids and myself,

I am proud that I have the ability and the chance to fly,

I am proud of the fact I keep my grades,

I am proud of who I am.

I am so many things,

I am not the only one who does these things,

but I am persistant, positive and perfectly imprfect.

I am Katie.