It’s early on a Sunday morning, and as you prepare for the day ahead, take a moment to reflect on the story of someone truly special. At just 6 years old, Nova Stafford has already faced life-threatening challenges with a smile that could brighten any room. Hailing from Bessemer, Alabama, Nova’s story is one of resilience, faith, and a spirit that refuses to be dimmed by the hardships life has thrown her way. Her journey is not just about overcoming cancer; it’s about a young girl who brings light and joy to everyone she meets, despite the many trials she has faced.
Nova is a first-grader at New Life Christian School of Excellence, where she’s known for her contagious personality and playful nature. Her dad, James, describes her as being full of energy: “Nova is contagious and playful.” Her mom, Matisha, fondly adds, “I’d say Nova is all girl.” From a young age, Nova’s world was filled with the things she loved most—drawing, swimming, pizza, oatmeal, and dancing. But everything changed when Nova was just a baby, setting the stage for a fight that would challenge her in ways she couldn’t have imagined.
When Nova was just 5 months old, her parents noticed something unusual—there was a glow in her left eye. Concerned, they took her to the doctor, where they quickly found themselves on a path they never expected. Nova was diagnosed with Bilateral Retinoblastoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the eyes. The cancer had already advanced, and the doctors discovered tumors in both of Nova’s eyes. The prognosis was grim, but Nova’s parents, James and Matisha, refused to let despair take over. They were determined to fight for their daughter’s life, no matter the odds.
At just 5 months old, Nova began the fight of her life. Over the next several months, she underwent 11 rounds of chemotherapy. But despite the medical treatments and the toll they took on her tiny body, Nova remained a symbol of strength and determination. When she was 18 months old, doctors had to remove her left eye to stop the spread of the cancer, but that didn’t stop Nova from shining. She continued to fight with everything she had, enduring spinal taps, bone marrow biopsies, high doses of chemotherapy, and radiation. As the cancer spread to Nova’s liver and bone marrow, she was faced with an even tougher battle.
But Nova’s resilience was unwavering. Each round of treatment, each surgery, each difficult day was met with a courage beyond her years. Her bright smile and positive attitude became a beacon of hope for her family and everyone around her. Even through the toughest days, when pain and exhaustion seemed insurmountable, Nova found a way to keep her joy alive. Her faith and strength were truly remarkable.
As the years went by, Nova continued to face the effects of the treatments, but she also began to experience the rewards of her perseverance. In 2025, after years of fighting, Nova was officially declared cancer-free. She has been in remission for three years, and while she still visits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for regular check-ups and treatments, Nova is living a much different life today. She is cancer-free, and most importantly, she is living her life with the love and support of her family, her community, and all those who have been touched by her story.
One of the most heartwarming events in Nova’s journey occurred just recently when her school, New Life Christian School, held a special day in her honor—“Nova Day.” It was a day to celebrate Nova’s spirit, her courage, and the strength she has shown throughout her battle with cancer. The entire community, from her schoolmates to the residents of McCalla and Bessemer, rallied behind Nova, wearing “Lily Strong” shirts and stickers to show their support. For Nova, it was a day of celebration and joy, but it was also a reminder of how much love surrounds her.
Nova’s incredible spirit and strength are not just physical—they are spiritual as well. Throughout her battle, Nova and her family have leaned heavily on their faith in God. As Matisha shared, “We’re giving all credit to God and to St. Jude.” It’s clear that for Nova, her faith has been just as important as her medical treatments. She has relied on prayer, love, and support from her family and community, and this has carried her through the darkest days of her journey. Matisha has also said, “Every day is a good day to be Nova.” It’s a sentiment that speaks to Nova’s unbreakable spirit and her ability to find joy in even the most challenging circumstances.
Today, Nova is off treatment and doing well. She continues to visit her doctors a few times a year for follow-up check-ups, but for the most part, she is living her life as a healthy, thriving young girl. She is back to doing the things she loves—drawing, swimming, and dancing. For Nova, every day is a blessing, and she continues to share that blessing with everyone around her. Whether it’s through her smile, her positive attitude, or the love she gives to those around her, Nova is an inspiration to all who know her.
As we reflect on Nova’s journey, we are reminded of the strength of the human spirit and the power of love, faith, and community. Nova’s story is one of resilience, courage, and an unwavering belief in the possibility of miracles. She has shown us all that even in the face of the most difficult challenges, joy can still be found. Nova’s life is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of never giving up.
Let’s continue to send our love, prayers, and support to Nova and her family as they continue their journey. Nova’s fight is a reminder to all of us that we are capable of overcoming even the toughest challenges. And for Nova, it’s just the beginning of a life full of love, laughter, and light.
Saige Hall: A Journey of Strength, Love, and a Bright Future Ahead 853
It’s a story that began with heartbreak and fear, but it’s also one of strength, perseverance, and hope. At just one year old, little Saige Hall of Addison, Alabama, was diagnosed with Stage 3 Wilms kidney cancer. This rare and aggressive form of cancer shook her family to its core. But today, three years later, Saige is healthy, cancer-free, and thriving. Her journey has been filled with challenges, but her story is just beginning, and it’s already one of incredible triumph.
When Reggie and Sadie Hall received the devastating news about their precious daughter in 2022, they could hardly believe it. Their sweet, one-year-old Saige had always been a vibrant, happy child, but suddenly, their world was turned upside down. Saige’s diagnosis came with a long, hard road ahead. Over the next several months, she underwent four surgeries, 15 rounds of chemotherapy, and six rounds of radiation. These treatments, while grueling, were necessary for Saige to have a fighting chance at life.
But Saige fought with a strength and determination beyond her years. Each day, she faced her treatments with the courage of a warrior, and little by little, she began to overcome the disease that had once threatened her life. As difficult as the treatments were, Saige remained the same joyful, happy child she had always been. She never let cancer define her—she was defined by her will to live and the love of her family, who rallied around her every step of the way.
One of the most memorable moments of Saige’s journey came in the fall of 2022, when she was elected Homecoming Princess at Addison High School. This was no ordinary honor—it was a moment that filled Reggie and Sadie with pride and joy. The fact that their one-year-old daughter, in the midst of her battle with cancer, could be named Homecoming Princess was a testament to her strength and the outpouring of love and support from the community. It was an emotional moment, but the very next day, Saige was back at the hospital, continuing her fight against cancer. For her parents, it was a reminder of the incredible resilience their daughter displayed every single day.
As Saige’s journey continued, her family never stopped believing in her. In addition to her battle with cancer, Saige was later diagnosed with Level 3 Autism, a challenge that presented its own set of hurdles. Still, Saige’s spirit remained unbroken. She is non-verbal and continues to navigate her world with a mix of joy and determination, filling her days with babbling and the occasional giggle. Reggie and Sadie remain hopeful that one day, Saige will speak and share her story with the world.
“We believe that one day, God will allow Saige’s words to come,” Sadie shared. “In His timing, she will be able to tell it on her own—and when she does, it will add to what He has already done in her life and all the mountains that He’s already helped her to overcome.”
Now, in November of 2025, Saige is a vibrant, happy, and cancer-free little girl. Her health has been restored, and though she faces challenges related to her autism, she is full of life, laughter, and energy. Her journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been filled with incredible moments of growth, love, and triumph. The future is bright for Saige, and her story is only just beginning.
For Reggie and Sadie, each day with Saige is a gift. They know that the road ahead will have its challenges, but they face them with faith, hope, and the love of a family that has already been through so much. They continue to look to the future with optimism, knowing that Saige’s journey will inspire others and that, one day, Saige will be able to tell her own story.
Saige’s story is a reminder of the power of love, the importance of never giving up, and the strength that comes from faith. As she continues to grow and flourish, she will undoubtedly inspire others with her resilience and her joy. Her journey has already shown us that even in the toughest of times, there is always hope. Saige’s battle with cancer may have been long and difficult, but it has only made her stronger, and her future is filled with endless possibilities.
So, let’s celebrate Saige’s victory today! Let’s congratulate her for beating cancer and send our best wishes for all the incredible things she will achieve in the future. Saige is a true inspiration, and her story is one of courage, strength, and the power of a family’s love. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this brave little girl and the incredible things she will accomplish.
