A young girl from Utah is one of the youngest people in the world to ever be diagnosed with breast cancer and she is now inspiring people with her story.
When Chrissy Turner was only 8-years-old she told her parents about a lump she had found under her right nipple that was painful to touch.
"It was about the middle of October she came to us with a lump on her chest and was scared," her father Troy told ABC4 Utah News.
By November of 2015, the doctors diagnosed the young girl with secretory breast carcinoma, a rare type of cancer that only affects one in a million.
Her father, Troy Turner, a survivor of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, didn't know how to tell his daughter.
"How do you tell your kid that she has cancer?" he asked.
Troy continues to battle his cancer which created a double nightmare for the family.
"All the while, medical bills are continuing to pile up, forcing them to file bankruptcy in July 2013, but even after bankruptcy, bills continue to flow," Annette said.
Almost 2 years after a mastectomy, Chrissy who is now 10-years-old, is doing well.
"Even at first, after her initial shock, Chrissy showed an overwhelmingly positive attitude and strength to overcome her situation and return to enjoying life," her father said. "She truly has a spirit beyond her age, and her positive attitude and strength are radiated to those around her. She inspires me every day."
Since the removal of her right breast, Chrissy has been seen for a breast scan every three months and will likely undergo reconstructive surgery when she's 15 or 16-years-old.
"About a month ago, we had our first meeting with a plastic surgeon, just so she'll know what her options are," says her mother Annette Turner. "She's barely starting to develop on her left side, so we have some time.They just want her to be prepared for it."
Thanks to this surgery Chrissy was able to avoid radiation therapy, which can cause a number of side effects.
When the young girl came out of surgery she was given a bear named Andy, who was dressed up in doctor's scrubs with a bandage on its chest.
Her 45-year-old mother is a cervical cancer survivor and wanted to share with everyone that her daughter is doing well after her surgery.
"We'd like people to know that she's happy and still enjoys bringing beauty to the simple things in life," Annette said of her daughter who is now in fifth grade.
"Chrissy carries a glowing spirit with her wherever she goes," Annette tells PEOPLE exclusively, "and she's teaching others "” especially women diagnosed with breast cancer "” to embrace life and focus on the good. If anything, that's been her most powerful message: "˜You can defeat this and you can keep living.' "
"This experience has taught me to keep moving forward and never give up. Through my cancer, I learned how important family really is and that we should enjoy every second of this life. I love spending time with my family and friends and just having fun."
Chrissy will participate in a few community events this month to help raise awareness about the importance of funding breast cancer research.
"She's shy, but we tell her that when you're called to a greater purpose in life, you can't hide from it," her mom said. "Chrissy now realizes that this is an opportunity to take something horrible that happened to her and turn it around."
"She knows that when something like this happens to you, you can either take it lying down or you can grow from it, spiritually and emotionally," Annette says. "She's chosen to grow from it. This entire experience has brought our family closer together."
Source: People / Daily Mail