The American woman told how she found out about her disease - blood cancer.

A 21-year-old college student from Iowa, Helaine Gilliard, noticed small spots on her skin.

As it turned out, she had B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, writes mirror.co.uk. 

So, for the first time, Helain noticed the swallow-like spots that appeared on her body in November 2021.

In just a few hours, the spots increased in size and were spread over her arms and legs.

Photo: mirror.co.uk

Doctors took blood tests, the results of which led to a terrible diagnosis.

The girl was treated for almost a year.

Despite the grueling chemotherapy and physical pain, she says the experience was "helpful" and she felt lucky.

"I'm extremely grateful for my cancer - now I appreciate things on a whole different level because not everyone survives this horrible disease. It sounds crazy, but the disease has made me realize how lucky I am and how much love I have in my life. I still have a lot to go through long way to go. I'm still going through chemo every day and every month in the hospital so I still have a lot of side effects but I see progress every day. I've been very lucky with my treatment. I've had very few complications. My doctors and nurses have done an amazing job work to eliminate any side effects," Helain said.

Photo: mirror.co.uk

The girl is now in the final phase of treatment, where she will continue oral chemotherapy and monthly hospital visits until March 2024.

The student plans to resume her studies in September this year.

The schoolgirl hopes her story will inspire others to rethink the value of life and the power of a positive outlook.

Photo: mirror.co.uk

We will remind, in India, a 9-year-old girl

weighs only 8 kilograms

, and her height is 60 centimeters.

The child has a rare disease.

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