A Journey of Faith and Healing

by Anikka Kenzie Santos

A Painful Beginning
In December 2018, I started feeling pain in my leg. At first, my mother thought it was just a cramp and told me not to worry. But the pain didn’t go away. It only got worse. Concerned, my mother took me to the hospital to find out what was wrong.

In January 2019, after multiple tests and scans, the doctor delivered news that changed my life—I had bone cancer. I was only nine years old. I couldn’t believe it. How could this happen to me? I wondered when I would ever get better.

From that moment on, my life revolved around hospital visits, medical procedures, and constant pain. I spent most of my time in the hospital, with needles piercing my body and enduring experiences I never imagined I would face.

I often asked myself, “Will I ever be able to go to school again? Will I ever have a normal life?”

A Difficult Road
To fight the cancer, my doctors recommended chemotherapy. It was an incredibly painful treatment with severe side effects.

After my first chemo session, I had a seizure. My mother later told me that they almost lost me that day. But by God’s grace, a doctor was nearby to help me.

Chemotherapy took a toll on my body. I lost my hair and a lot of weight.

I was devastated, afraid that people would laugh at me or stare. But my mother reassured me, saying, “Your hair will grow back.”

One day, someone introduced me to Jesus Christ. That moment changed everything. I accepted Him as my Lord and Savior, and from then on, I began to see things differently.

The Hardest Decision
Then came news that shook me once again. My doctor told me that my leg needed to be amputated. I was terrified. How would I ever walk or run again?

At first, I refused. But as time passed, the pain became unbearable. I realized I couldn’t take it anymore, so I agreed to the surgery.

Before the operation, I had to undergo an MRI to check the tumor’s progress.

The results were devastating—the tumor had grown bigger. The surgery had to be delayed, and I had to go through another round of chemotherapy.

Finally, in September 2019, the big day arrived. I had to say a final goodbye to my leg.

When I woke up, I felt pain, but I told myself, It’s okay. I was so happy to be free from the unbearable pain.

Though I sometimes wished I still had both legs, I knew God had a purpose for everything. More than physical healing, He had changed my heart and transformed my entire family.

Growing in Faith
Through this journey, my family and I came to know Christ. We became Christians together.

Looking back, I realized this was all part of God’s plan—not just for me but for my entire family.

Becoming part of Christ’s Commission Fellowship (CCF) Crossroad and joining a small group helped me understand more about God.

Before I became a Christian, we would go in and out of church without really knowing Him. But now, I am excited to learn and grow in my faith. My discipleship group (DGroup) leaders have been instrumental in helping me know God on a deeper level.

Because of CCF Crossroad, I have built a personal relationship with Christ. It has also taught me how to deal with others and handle difficult situations, like forgiving people who hurt me. I remember a time in school when a classmate offended me. I felt angry, but I chose to forgive, as God commands us to do.

I also face temptations like everyone else, but my mother reminds me of Romans 12:2 – Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.

Whenever I feel afraid, I hold on to Isaiah 41:10 – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Looking Ahead with Hope
Now, at 14 years old, I am excited for what God has in store for me. As I prepare to join CCF Elevate, I am eager to discover His plans for my life.

In the meantime, I serve as a volunteer for the Host Team in CCF Baliwag, and my parents have opened our home for fellowship gatherings.

I believe with all my heart that I am healed—by His blood and His grace. To God be the glory!

ANNIKA KENZIE SANTOS, once hopeless but now filled with hope in Christ Jesus. Together with her parents, Warren Lynne and Mark Allan Santos, and siblings Andrew Kurt and Anson Kyle they attend Christ Commission Fellowship (CCF) in Baliwag, Bulacan).