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Local girl helps magazine 'change the face of cancer'

September 24, 2007 | Posted by Lisa Finneran

Local girl helps magazine 'change the face of cancer'
Amaya Rose Sims is featured in Parade magazine's Changing the Face of Cancer project.

It's been a busy time for Amaya Rose Sims.

In January 2006, the Peninsula girl was diagnosed with low-grade astrocytoma, an inoperable cancer tumor.

In the months since, she's been through treatments and surgeries, traveled to Disney World and started kindergarten.

And now she's done a little modeling.

A photo of Amaya is featured in Parade magazine's Changing the Face of Cancer project, in which volunteers took photos of children with cancer to "show children just how beautiful they are."

Allison Clarke founded the nonprofit Flashes of Hope six years ago.

"These children may be dealing with an awful illness, but they're still just children," Clarke said. "Their attitudes are so hopeful, and they're filled with such courage and spirit. We want the images to reflect that."

Amaya's tumor has been stable in the months since she finished up her chemotherapy treatments. Because of the location of the growth -- at the top of her spine near where it connects with her head -- doctors cannot surgically remove it. To see Amaya's photo, go online here.

Or to see the entire Parade Magazine story, go here.

http://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-now-localgirl.s24,0,5575075.story?coll