Breaking my hand was one of the worst things that’s happened to me in recent history. Around Christmas, I inadvertently smashed my hand against the boards in just such a way that it fractured right in the middle. It was so painful, I couldn’t hold a hockey stick. Suddenly my season was put on hold. It felt like my world stopped. Instead of playing the sport I love, I had to sit in the stands and watch my team from behind the glass. It sucked.

When I got home to LA for the holiday break, my parents took me to the only place that was open, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, to get x-rayed and get my hand fixed up. I was already bummed about the whole situation, but what happened at the hospital was eye-opening.

While waiting to get my cast put on, I met this little girl in the hospital bed next to me. She had both legs broken, barely any hair, and was hooked up to an oxygen tank. She was crying while the technician wrapped her legs. It was hard to watch, but then something amazing happened. After finishing her casts, the technician took out a tray of markers and drew a Hello Kitty on her knee. Her tears turned into a big smile. It was such a small thing, but it made a huge difference for her and changed the vibe in the room from one of terror to a sweet moment.

One of the nurses later told me and my dad that this technician, Luis, is famous for these drawings and has even been featured on Today.

When it was my turn, I couldn’t stop thinking about how tough that girl, and her family, must have it right now. And here I was, upset over a broken hand that would heal in a few weeks. That moment made me realize how lucky I am, not just to have my health but to be able to live my life and do the things I love.

That experience reinforced to me why I want to help other students find simple ways to raise awareness about cancer and support people who are going through tough battles like this little girl. Breaking my hand sucks, but watching that girl, seeing her mom struggle through comforting her, and meeting Luis showed me what real toughness looks like.