Passion and dreams are effective motivations to get up in the morning — seizing the day as you are one step closer to your goals. And those factors also greatly affect your will to fight a severe disease such as cancer. The health condition can make you feel hopeless since cancer can take one's life away. However, there are a lot of success stories shared by cancer warriors that could wash away your doubts about survival. The majority of the testimonies proved that passion and dreams help you hold on to hope. Cancer won’t have power over you when you keep on living while undergoing treatments.

Photo: Youtube/NBC2 News

You are an unstoppable force when you put your mind to it. That’s what Cade Mitchell did during a two-year battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Before his cancer diagnosis, Cade was a thriving football player at First Baptist Academy in Naples, who played the center position just like his dad, Ryan. The high school student had lots of potential, especially since football runs in his blood. Cade worked hard for his and his team's future until sudden changes happened to his body during his sophomore year. He began to lose weight and would often feel chest pain. Cade knew that those conditions were unusual — something was clearly wrong with his physical health.

Photo: Youtube/NBC2 News

His parents, Lori and Ryan, were utterly shocked when the test results came. Apparently, Cade was already in stage four of Hodgkin’s lymphoma — a blood cancer that results from the uncontrollable growth of white blood cells. The cancer causes swollen lymph nodes, primarily in the neck, groin, and armpits. Although alarming, Hodgkin’s lymphoma actually has an 89% survival rate with the help of chemotherapy. Cade had to pause his football career to focus on his battle with cancer. However, his determination as an athlete hindered the disease from stopping him from living an active life. Amidst chemotherapy, Cade lifted weights and joined the school’s track team.

Two years after his diagnosis, Cade completed chemotherapy — winning over cancer like the star player he is. And in his senior year of high school, Cade returned to the team and had the chance to participate in the state championship game. To make things more inspiring, Cade did not only win over cancer — he also led his team to victory! Lori also mentioned that the championship game happened on the same date Cade was diagnosed with cancer two years ago.

Photo: Youtube/NBC2 News

It was an unforgettable victory, not just for the star player but also for his dad, who is also their team coach. Those two years were indeed a rollercoaster ride of emotions for Cade’s family. Thankfully, he’s an athlete prepared to win who’s surrounded by his support system. He’s an inspiration for young people going through a similar fight and hoping to begin again.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6gDqURtBCg&t=134s