About James

At just 7 years old, I woke up one morning with an excruciating headache. My parents rushed me to the ER, and after a series of scans, a nurse came in with tears in her eyes. She told me and my family that I had brain cancer—specifically, Stage 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). From that moment, my life changed forever.

I was transferred to UCLA Hospital for immediate brain surgery. As a young kid, everything was a blur, and fear was a constant companion. But after 21 days in the hospital, I went home to face months of daily radiation and chemotherapy. Despite the grueling treatments, I made it through.

In 2023, after eight years of battling cancer, I underwent a full temporal lobectomy. During this surgery, doctors removed 25% of my brain, including my right temporal lobe, hippocampus, and amygdala. But through it all, I kept fighting, knowing that my life had a greater purpose.

Today, as a 16-year-old high school junior, I continue to live each day with purpose, determination, and faith. I'm passionate about woodworking, competing in archery, and sharing my story to inspire others. In 2023, I placed 3rd in the Nevada State Archery Competition and won a silver medal in the State Skills USA Carpentry Competition. But more than anything, I love my family—especially my sister, Juliette, who has been my best friend and greatest support throughout this journey.

Purpose

Everyone in life has a purpose, and we only have one life to live. That’s why I believe we need to make the best of it. God has given each of us a purpose, but it’s up to us to fulfill it. Life’s challenges don’t define us; what defines us is how we face those challenges with courage and faith. And no one has to face life alone—we have friends, family, and, most importantly, God.

Never Quit

Life is a mountain, and sometimes the climb is hard. I literally climbed a mountain the other day—it was miserable, but I made it to the top. That feeling of pride after pushing through the pain reminded me why it’s important to never give up. We only have one life, so why not make the most of it? When life gets hard, I tell myself, “I WILL make the most of it,” because giving up is never an option.

No Excuses

"I am" is one of the most powerful things we can say. In the Bible, "I Am" describes God—He is eternal, always present, never was or will be, just

is

. This same "I Am" exists in all of us, and it reminds me that the only thing standing between us and our purpose is ourselves. Don’t let excuses hold you back from living fully in the moment. You can sit on the sidelines of life, or you can get up, pursue your purpose, and fight for the life you were meant to live. I fought and continue fighting—not just for myself but for others.

The Hand of God

I know I’m here today because God fought for me. My faith in Him carried me through the darkest times, and I believe He fights for all of us, every single day. When life knocks us down, we get back up because God is reaching out His hand. If you grab onto that hand, you’ll always find the strength to rise again—not just physically but emotionally and spiritually. God is always with us, no matter what we face.

A Life of Purpose

Every day I wake up grateful for the second chance I’ve been given. Whether it’s crafting beautiful pieces of wood art, honing my skills in archery, or sharing my story with others, my goal is simple: live with purpose, never give up, and inspire others to do the same. This is my fight, and I will continue fighting, till the end.

James Kish

Continue Fighting, Till the End.