'No matter what, 'til the end, don't stop'

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By Melody Mendez

Summary

Leticia Granados has just one wish this holiday season, but it's a wish no teen should have to make. All she wants, Granados said, is "for my leukemia to go away."

Story Published: Dec 18, 2009 at 10:40 PM PDT

Story Updated: Dec 18, 2009 at 10:40 PM PDT

'No matter what, 'til the end, don't stop'
FEDERAL WAY, Wash. -- Leticia Granados has just one wish this holiday season, but it's a wish no teen should have to make.

All she wants, Granados said, is "for my leukemia to go away."

It's all the teen wants. She's not waiting for anything else to make its way under the tree; she just wants a chance to live. But doctors say she doesn't have that chance any more.

While her classmates were busy with school work and activities, Granados fought cancer. She was diagnosed with leukemia years ago, but on Dec. 9, doctors told her she had less than a month to live.

Mother Maria Granados says her day hasn't been feeling well. Each day has been more painful than the one before.

Ask Leticia about her cancer, however, and she'll tell you about the friends she's made.

"It's been good. And there's been sad parts and like very hard parts, but you meet so many new people during that journey," she said.

When doctors told Leticia she wouldn't make it to graduation, her classmates at Federal Way High School decided to put on their own ceremony.

With family and friends by her side, the high school junior put on her cap and gown. Then, as sounds of Pomp and Circumstance filled the auditorium, she marched in to graduate.

"Leticia, would you please come forward to receive some academic awards and your diploma?" a teacher said.

With a proud smile and deafening cheer from her friends, Leticia became the first graduate of the class of 2011.

"I don't have any words to say how thankful I am," she said.

She named her friends and family members as the source of her strength.

"I want them to know they're making a big difference in my life," she said.

And they had one more surprise for Leticia. One of her wishes was to see The Nutcracker for the first time. When Federal Way High students found out, they rallied, raised money and bought her tickets to Sunday's show.

Those around her say Leticia has left an indelible mark on their lives with her inspiration.

"No matter what, 'til the end, don't stop," she said. "Even though you feel like crap, you have to keep going until the end."

And while Leticia's life may be cut too short, her legacy of hope will last forever.