Grady HS cancer survivor chosen for Disney Dreamers Academy
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By Ron Gant, Good Day Atlanta anchor -
Daniel Blues
ATLANTA -
A Grady High School senior is about to board a plane for Walt Disney World, but this will not be just any vacation. The Disney Dreamers Academy chose cancer survivor Daniel Blues to take part in a special career workshop.
Blues beat leukemia three times, and through it all his attitude has remained positive. So, it's only fitting Blues is among only 100 students selected for a trip that will inspire him to never give up on his dreams.
Daniel creates "beats" as a way to escape any problems that come his way, and he's been through a lot in the past few years.
"I was diagnosed the first time in August 2008. I relapsed twice and once in September 2010 and March of 2012," said Blues.
He spent months, and many holidays in and out of the hospital fighting leukemia.
"When the doctor walked in and said Daniel you have leukemia, my mind set was, ok, what's next? What are we going to do? It wasn't the whole why me? Why God? I never questioned it," Blues said.
He is now cancer-free. With his positive attitude, it's no surprise the Disney Dreamers Academy selected him to take part in a career workshop this weekend.
"I know there are probably thousands of kids that filled this application out to be one of the chosen ones. I'm completely honored," Blues said.
He'll be surrounded by celebrity mentors at Walt Disney World in Orlando. The hands on program is designed to inspire and fuel Daniel's dreams of becoming an audio engineer.
Daniel already plans to use his journey so far to encourage others to overcome their obstacles and never give up on their dreams. His message, "don't give up and just keep a positive mindset."
"We wouldn't give anything for this journey. It has put us in places before people and opportunities we are grateful for," said Daniel's mother, Pamela Aliniece.
"I know that I am here for a reason. So, I just got to carry out that reason," said Blues.
Daniel and his mother have also started a charity called Laughing at Leukemia. They're raising money for a satellite tutoring program so kids fighting cancer still go to school at the hospital or from home. The event will be held April 27 at the Cobb Galleria Centre. For more information, click here!
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Daniel Blues
