PHOENIX — As adults, sometimes it’s easy to take our good friends for granted, but not for 11-year-old Allie Hansen.
For the past two and a half years during her fight with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, she’s leaned on them to get better.
"They were amazing," Allie said.
The 11-year-old girl from Page, Ariz. and her friends celebrated her final day in the Cardon Children’s Medical Center in Mesa where she received cancer treatment.
Her friends weren't just there during happy times. Allie says her best friends Kenzi and Emily have been with her every step of the way
"It’s been sad but I'm happy today that she's better," said Kenzi Hansen, who is not only a best friend but a third cousin.
Today Allie and Kenzi performed a dance routine for the crowd of about 50 people, from family and friends to hospital staff.
Allie’s mom Brittney says she's so grateful this day has finally come.
"It’s an emotional day… We’re hoping it never comes back. We hope we never have to have chemo," said Brittney.
And while Allie's medical team is sad to see her go, they also hope she doesn't come back.
“It’s really rewarding to celebrate patients like Allie. It’s bittersweet to say goodbye," said Oliva Houck, pediatric music coordinator for Cardon Children’s Medical Center.
For Allie, it's a new beginning and a simple message of hope for anyone going through a tough time.
“Stay strong," Allie says.
Allie’s family in Page, Ariz. have been involved in creating awareness about childhood cancer and supporting children diagnosed with cancer through their nonprofit organization, Allie's Angels. For more information click here.