Will Cundiff has a rare form of cancer called Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Cundiff, a sophomore at Francis Howell North, is a hardworking student who faces an unfortunate challenge: Cancer. He misses school frequently to go to radiation and chemotherapy treatments to eradicate the cancer. Cundiff’s particular type of cancer has a high survival rate, so he never loses hope that he will beat it.  Cundiff is one of the top students in his Pre-AP Chemistry class according to his teacher, Donna Malkmus.  

“What makes Wil stand out compared to the average student is his ability to stay on top of his work and his integrity to never fall behind,” said Malkmus. He has had to miss both classes and labs, but still makes up all the missing work and tests to keep up with his fellow students.

Cundiff is taking a variety of advanced courses, with Pre-AP Chemistry being the most challenging and Pre-AP Spanish 3 being the most fun, according to Cundiff.   

“In Spanish class we do a lot of games to learn the new material that we get and the homework is manageable, and I end up having a lot of fun while learning in a unique environment.” Cundiff said. “Señora Green also works hard so that students of all skill levels can succeed, and also gives us resources outside of class to use when studying,”

Cundiff has had multiple surgeries performed to combat this disease, and has had many side effects as a result. 

“Symptoms that have affected me the most are fatigue and tiredness, weakness, and mouth sores. It has also been difficult for me to run and focus in school due to the drugs from chemotherapy. The mouth sores is the most unpleasant symptoms because I could barely eat or drink anything. This is the one side effect I hope I never get again,” Cundiff.