‘Survivor’ Aidan Byrd turns childhood cancer journey into volunteer work at same hospital he was treated
By Jay Motiwala
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WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina (WXII) — Aidan Byrd, a Winston-Salem resident and former pediatric oncology patient, is volunteering at the same hospital where he received treatment 15 years ago, helping children facing cancer just as he once did.
“I couldn’t fathom the things I would accomplish in fifteen years as a survivor,” Byrd said.
In August 2011, Byrd was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, at just seven years old. The diagnosis turned his world upside down and required him to undergo chemotherapy.
“You’re being poisoned, just the nausea and the pain of the treatment itself,” Byrd said.
Byrd spent weekends and holidays in the hospital, enduring numerous procedures and undergoing about 20 surgeries to reach where he is today.
While undergoing treatment, Byrd developed a curiosity about the science and medicine behind his care.
“He offered his time to sit down with me and we looked at samples under the microscope,” Byrd said, referring to Dr. Thomas McLean, a pediatric oncologist at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Brenner Children’s Hospital. Byrd credits Dr. McLean with saving his life and inspiring his passion for medicine.
“Patients like Aidan are the reason why I do what I do, because we want these children to survive and thrive,” Dr. McLean said.
The relationship between doctor and patient has since grown into a mentorship.
“He told me he was studying science – (and was in) graduate school and thinking about medical school, it just warmed my heart,” Dr. McLean said.
While studying for his Medical College Admission Test, Byrd is volunteering at the hospital, helping children process their experiences through art and open conversations. He shared drawings he created during his treatment and others he made while helping kids years later.
“I can think of no better way, no better career, to give my life to than helping people,” Byrd said.
Byrd also treasures beads given to him by the hospital, each representing a day in the hospital, a surgery, or a procedure. The bead he received on his last day of chemotherapy holds the most meaning for him – which says ‘survivor.’
“I think it will be the most important title for me, for the rest of my life is survivor,” Byrd said.
Byrd’s story is especially significant during September, which is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spread awareness and support research for pediatric cancer.
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