In honor of Aaron Mervin
Football and a new school were the only things on Aaron Mervin’s mind as he prepared for life as a ninth-grader in 2007. But one day while lifting weights, Aaron’s back began to hurt. Soon he felt a profound weakness in both legs and his digestive system began acting strange. He went to UNC Hospitals, and after several scans and a five hour biopsy procedure, Aaron was diagnosed with cancer of the spine. Under the care of Dr. Stuart Gold, Aaron went through one year of intensive chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Today, Aaron is free of cancer and is doing all the things he always wanted to do as a 16-year-old. He’s learning to drive, hanging out with friends and family, and participating in sports.
“He is an inspiration to us all,” Dr. Gold says. “Aaron is courageous, caring and compassionate, and hopefully cured of his cancer.”