Aida Cordeau faced a life-altering medical challenge when a routine milestone of starting kindergarten turned into a cancer diagnosis. Her journey began with her father’s instinctive concern as he noticed something was off with his daughter. It was during a phone call to his wife that he expressed his worry, saying, “There’s something wrong with her. She’s not OK.” This moment marked the start of Aida’s battle with leukemia.
The turning point in their journey came when Aida’s mother identified a concerning detail in her daughter’s blood test results: an unusually low white blood cell count. This critical observation led to the devastating diagnosis that would change Aida’s life forever. As her father, Brian Cordeau, recalled, “When he came in, he gave the news to us very gently. But when you receive that kind of news, it’s so difficult.” With Aida on the brink of starting kindergarten, the family’s world quickly shifted to one focused on medical treatment and hope.
Connecting with Blood Cancer United, a nonprofit organization, became a vital source of support for Aida and her family. The partnership inspired the formation of “Aida’s Army,” a network of friends and family dedicated to raising awareness and providing encouragement. This community continues to grow, offering a sense of solidarity for Aida and others facing similar challenges.
A highlight of their journey has been participation in Light the Night events, where cancer survivors and supporters gather to honor their experiences. “It’s really cool to see all those people when it’s really dark. You’re walking, and you just see all these lanterns lighting up the night,” Brian Cordeau shared. These events have become a beacon of hope for Aida, who now carries a white lantern as a symbol of her survival and resilience.
Now a senior at Sotomayor High School, Aida reflects on her experience with gratitude and optimism. “It’s amazing. I survived this,” she said. “I get to see everyone else who survived it, who also is carrying the white lantern, and even people who are carrying the red lantern and the yellow lanterns. It’s just seeing everyone who has come out to support and survived.”
Aida’s Army is more than just a support group; it is a movement aimed at uplifting others who are battling blood cancer. Aida’s message resonates strongly within the community: “Just come out to Light The Night and support everyone. If anyone is going through blood cancer or any type of cancer, you just need to be there to support them anywhere.” Her call to action emphasizes the importance of community support in facing such profound challenges.
As Aida continues her journey, she serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating how resilience and community can create light even in the darkest of times. Her story is not only one of survival but also a testament to the power of hope, connection, and support in overcoming life’s obstacles.
