It’s a Sunday morning. Maybe you’re enjoying your coffee, maybe you’re about to head out the door to church, or maybe you just need a little bit of inspiration to start your day. Whatever it is, I’d like to take just three minutes of your time to introduce you to someone who will undoubtedly brighten your heart and lift your spirits—Nova Stafford.
Nova is a 6-year-old girl from Bessemer, Alabama. She’s in the first grade at New Life Christian School of Excellence, and she is one of the most joyful and vibrant kids you’ll ever meet. “Nova is contagious and playful,” her father, James, says with a smile. “She has an energy that’s just infectious.” Her mother, Matisha, adds, “I’d say Nova is all girl—full of life, full of love, and full of personality.” Nova’s zest for life is undeniable.
Nova loves everything about life—she loves drawing, swimming, and dancing. She’s a fan of pizza and oatmeal, and she has a soft spot for her fish. But it’s her love for dancing that truly stands out. Nova’s twirls and spins bring smiles to everyone around her, as she dances through life with the same joy and enthusiasm that defines her.
But Nova’s journey hasn’t always been easy. When Nova was just 5 months old, her parents noticed something unusual—there was a glow in her left eye. “We noticed a glow in Nova’s left eye,” Matisha remembers. “It was unlike anything we had seen before.” Concerned, they took Nova to be checked, and it was there that their lives changed forever. They were referred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, where doctors confirmed the heartbreaking news: Nova was diagnosed with Bilateral Retinoblastoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the retina in both eyes. Tumors were found in both of Nova’s eyes, and the prognosis was uncertain.
At just 5 months old, Nova was thrust into a world of medical procedures, treatments, and uncertainty. She began 11 rounds of chemotherapy, followed by countless tests, spinal taps, and bone marrow biopsies. The cancer had spread to Nova’s bone marrow and liver, making the battle even more difficult. But even in the face of these challenges, Nova remained a source of light and inspiration to everyone who knew her.
By the time she was 18 months old, Nova’s doctors had to make the difficult decision to remove her left eye. It was a heartbreaking choice, but it was necessary to give Nova the best chance at survival. And survive she did. Through every round of chemotherapy, every treatment, and every setback, Nova’s spirit never faltered. Her smile continued to shine, brightening the days of everyone around her.
Years of treatment followed. Nova faced high doses of chemotherapy and radiation, and there were days filled with pain, fear, and uncertainty. But Nova always faced these challenges with resilience, her infectious smile never fading. She became an inspiration to her family, her friends, and everyone who followed her journey.
And now, years later, Nova is a survivor. She has been cancer-free for three years. Her strength, positivity, and unwavering spirit have not only helped her through the hardest battles of her life but have inspired everyone who knows her. Recently, Nova’s school held a special event—Nova Day—a day to celebrate her spirit and positivity. The students and residents of McCalla and Bessemer, Alabama, came together to honor Nova’s journey and the light she brings to their lives.
On Nova Day, it’s one of the few times when Nova takes out her prosthetic eye and greets her friends with the same warmth and joy she always has. “Nova’s spirit and positivity are contagious,” said Matisha. “She’s an inspiration to everyone around her, and we’re so proud of how far she’s come.”
Today, Nova is off treatment and only visits St. Jude for check-ups every six months. During these visits, she undergoes spinal taps, bloodwork, and tests to ensure her continued good health. “The only thing Nova is taking are eye drops,” Matisha says with a smile. “We’re so thankful to God and to St. Jude for the incredible care and support we’ve received throughout this journey.”
Nova’s recovery has been nothing short of a miracle, and her family credits her survival to the grace of God and the expertise of the doctors and staff at St. Jude. Through all the pain, the uncertainty, and the long months of treatment, Nova has emerged stronger than ever, with her heart full of love and hope for the future.
Every day is a good day to be Nova, and every day is good for all of us who are lucky enough to know her. “We’re so grateful for the blessing that Nova is in our lives,” Matisha says. “She has brought so much joy, so much light, and so much love into this world. She truly is a miracle.”
Nova’s journey is one of courage, faith, and resilience. She has faced unimaginable challenges, yet she continues to inspire everyone around her with her strength and positivity. Her journey is a reminder to us all that, no matter what obstacles life throws our way, we can face them with love, hope, and an unshakable belief in the goodness of the world.
As Nova continues to grow and thrive, let’s take a moment to celebrate her. Let’s flood this page with comments, love, and support for Nova and her family. She is a beacon of light, a true inspiration, and a reminder that miracles happen every day. May we all take a page from Nova’s book and live each day with the same courage, optimism, and joy that she does.
Thank you, Nova, for inspiring us all. You are a true superhero, and your light shines brighter than ever.