WFMJ.com News weather sports for Youngstown-Warren OhioSpecial Salem Graduate

Special Salem Graduate

SALEM, Ohio-When Nick Reed, of Salem, was 14 years old, he diagnosed with stage four metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma.

"It sounds as bad as it is," Reed said.

Each year, only 400 people develop the aggressive cancer.

For more than a year, Nick underwent chemotherapy and radiation to treat the tumor that was growing in his right knee.

Doctors gave him a 25 percent chance to live.

"I was so desperate. I needed something, and I needed God to do something in my life, so I said God, if you're there, do something in my life," he said.

About that time, Nick went on a mission trip with his church youth group. One morning, they gathered to pray for him.

"I believe that in that moment, God healed me," Reed said.

It's a belief that was confirmed one week later during a routine biopsy.

"The results came back, and it was all completely gone!" Reed said.

Still cancer free, Nick Reed recently walked across the stage to accept his diploma from Salem High School. Only a few short years ago, it was a milestone he feared he would never reach.

 "It's indescribable," said the 18 year old. "Now i'm moving on to the next chapter, and I'm really excited about the next chapter that's coming up."

Reed plans to study pastoral ministries at North Central University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It's a path he chose because of his battle with cancer.

"It wasn't until i got sick and i was healed and then found purpose for my life. I found life," Reed said.