The only way parents can really understand how their child processed a diagnosis is if he lives to tell them. But as is often the case with trauma, many of the details get blocked out, erased or processed much later.

• RELATED STORY
• Morning Shift

‘Quality, Not Quantity’: Making The Most Of A Life Cut Short

read more

Adrian Abuanza is one of those survivors. He was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, or bone cancer, in his right leg when he was 6 years old. He’s now 24, cancer-free and pursuing a career in social work.

His parents are Alejandro and Carmen. They moved from Mexico to Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood 27 years ago. Adrian was born a few years later.

We talk to Adrian and his parents, Alejandro and Carmen, about his diagnoses, treatment and the best news you can get on New Year’s Eve.

A postscript to this conversation: This was not the only tragedy to strike the family. Adrian’s sister Alejandria was killed in a car accident in 2010. She was 21. They say the strength they built as a family during Adrian’s illness and survival guided them through the grief of losing their daughter.