“I had bacterial meningitis at the beginning of the year. I lost my hearing in my right ear and my balance system in that area as well. Before that I was a dancer en pointe. Pain wasn’t much of an issue for me—I was used to it. But this pain was different and consumed my whole body. My body was on fire, and I couldn’t move.
“I have always had a pretty strong testimony in our Savior Jesus Christ and the gospel. But this took an extra leap of faith and trust for me. I wasn’t always saying a prayer the traditional way, but I kept one in my heart. I knew that Heavenly Father would take care of me because He has a plan for me. I sang Primary and Church hymns in my head to calm me down during MRIs, and sometimes I thought about Jesus on the cross while getting poked and prodded with a needle.
“One time when I was in so much pain, I wondered how the Savior could have felt all of my pain. Not only that, but everyone else’s pain too. That moment showed me just how deep and wonderful His love is for each and every one of us.
“Now I am back in dance—not quite en pointe, but getting there. I had the opportunity to get a cochlear implant, so I am not fully deaf in that ear. I am in school and have the best friends by my side. My family has been my biggest support, and I couldn’t have done it without them. But Jesus Christ is number one. I would have given up if not for Him.”
