After several months of flu-like symptoms and multiple hospital visits, a bone marrow biopsy revealed 17-year-old John "Rankin" had Hodgkin disease. "I was scared and kind of mad too," said Rankin. I didn’t understand why it had to be me." Rankin was immediately referred to St. Jude for treatment.
At St. Jude, Rankin underwent several weeks of daily radiation treatments as well as chemotherapy.
"You can’t take anything for granted anymore," said Rankin, "While you’re here, you reach out to other people, and other people reach out to you."
Rankin is back at school and looks forward to a successful season with his wrestling team. He spends his free time hanging out with friends and participating in church activities.
