Victoria Oxer
“We have the power to make a difference, but it takes all of us. So, let’s stand together, let’s raise our voices, and let’s fight for these children with everything we have. Because they deserve nothing less.”
Victoria Oxer was just four years old when she was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of muscle cancer. “My amazing parents had their world turned upside down,” she says. “In many ways it was my mother who needed the reassurance most. At first, she couldn’t believe it – who would? You want the tests re-run; you want life to go back to what it was before. But she is such a strong woman. She quickly went into action by finding the best doctors and leaning on her faith through prayer.”
Victoria reflects on her childhood and how it was different from others. She recalls, “I carried extra layers of worry and responsibility and faced realities that my peers rarely had to consider. A simple checkup was never just simple.” And yet, because she was so young, Victoria found ways to still be a kid whenever possible: “As they say, ignorance is bliss. I was too young to fully understand the gravity of what was happening – I just wanted to play. So, I did. I played with the friends I made in the hospital, believing that was normal life.”
A year of radiation, chemotherapy, and a life-saving surgery resulted in Victoria eventually beating the odds and surviving. Throughout everything, Victoria leaned on her mom for support and shares, “I made it through because of her love, her presence, and her strength.”
Today, Victoria is using her second chance at life to help others and advocate for children with cancer. “Whether it’s through donating, volunteering your time, or simply spreading kindness, every effort makes a difference. Give back as much as you can to help those in need, and never, ever lose hope,” she says.
Victoria stands up for the kids she met during her treatment: “Friends who, unlike me, didn’t get to leave. Their courage, their smiles, and their memories live in me, and I will never stop honoring them.”
Our Mission
Stand Up To Cancer raises awareness and funds research to detect and treat cancers with the aspiration to cure all patients. Find out how you can get involved.
