Boy with inoperable brain tumor hopes to inspire Charlotte

“I was very young when my life was impacted by cancer,” 15-year-old Clay Dixon said. “I have to give back to the community that helped me.  It would be selfish not to help.” When Clay was 6-years old, he was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a highly aggressive and difficult to treat brain tumor.

In first grade, Clay's family and teachers noticed he had slurred speech.  “Clay seemed to have a speech impediment, and they said it was a birth defect.” Clay’s mother, Cathy Dixon said. However, after rigorous testing, an MRI revealed the tumor.  “The first three years were very scary, and after four years we had to find a new normal.”

Since being diagnosed nine years ago, Clay has received years of chemotherapy and many surgeries.

“I live the happiest life I can, and I don’t let cancer bring me down.” Clay said. Even more inspiring is his readiness to help.  When Clay was asked to speak at the American Cancer Society Charlotte Relay for Life Kickoff on Saturday, Clay put aside his plan for a retreat with his friends in order to “share my story about life with cancer.”

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life events are community gatherings where teams and individuals camp out at a school, park or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path.

Clay and his family live in Lexington, South Carolina where he is a sophomore at Swansea High School.  He maintains a 5.2 grade point average and humbly said, “I think that if I’m going to do something, I should do it well.”

“I don’t let cancer bring me down.” Clay said.  “Life would be easier without it, but I have to deal with it and live the happiest life I can.”

WSOC-TV Jason Stoogenke will join Clay and NASCAR driver Dylan Smith who drives the American Cancer Society Relay for Life race car for the kickoff.  You can RSVP by clicking this link.

Cox Media Group