Corona teenager battling cancer wants birthday cards
CORONA, Calif. -- Victoria Smitherman is turning 14 on Monday, and her mom wants to make sure she feels loved on her big day. She's asking the public to help shower Victoria with cards and well-wishes.
"Sometimes people write nice things. They say, have a good birthday, you're beautiful, or something, so it makes me feel good," Victoria said.
The eighth-grader, who is quick to smile and excels at math and science in school, is battling brain cancer.
"She just had brain surgery so we are, right now, preparing for, again, radiation and chemotherapy," said Victoria's mom, Veronica Smitherman.
On Tuesday, Victoria will head back to the hospital to begin treatment. She'll have her team of supporters, including the Corona Fire Department, fighting with her.
"We are going to be by her side until she beats this once and for all, which we know she is going to do this time around," said Corona Fire Capt. Jim Steiner.
A family friend posted this story to the ABC7 Facebook page using the hashtag #ABC7Eyewitness in hopes that Eyewitness News viewers might consider sending Victoria a card.
Victoria says she plans to use the cards she receives from the community to decorate her hospital room.
If you'd like to send Victoria a card, the address is:
Victoria Smitherman
P.O. Box 79464
Corona, CA 92877
