As a freshwoman at Xavier College Preparatory, Danna Galindo Morales faces all the challenges that come with being a freshman in high school. However, she has another hurdle to overcome.
Last October, Danna was diagnosed with epithelioid sarcoma, which is a type of tumor located in her neck and lungs. Her condition requires her to use a feeding tube, which allows her to get the proper amount of nutrition.
She has an incision in her abdomen where the feeding tube, or g-tube, is placed. This tube connects to a bag and a machine that pumps food into the stomach. Danna must have her feeding tube with her for any long periods of time.
“The hardest thing is having to come to school with my feeding tube,” Danna says.
Although she faces hardships that other teens don’t, Danna continues to have a positive outlook on life. “Seeing kids who can’t walk or breathe on their own has taught me to appreciate being able to do everything, and how God’s creation is so amazing,” she says.
Danna receives immunotherapy to help with her condition. Immunotherapy is a form of treatment that is used to help the human body fight diseases located in the immune system. She completes immunotherapy once every three weeks.
During this time, Paulina Morales, Danna’s mother, explained how it’s important for Danna to follow the doctors’ guidance while maintaining a positive mindset.
Sister Isabel Conchos mentions the positive energy Danna holds, “I first met Danna’s mom, Paulina, in the Attendance Office in the summer of 2024. I met Danna when she came to meet with her mom. On that day Danna left me an impression of peacefulness that will forever stay in my heart.”
While Danna faces her own personal challenges, she has a mature sense of compassion for others. She explains that she has become more grateful for the little things in life after seeing the children at the hospital that are sicker than she.
In spite of her medical condition, Galindo Morales has continued to keep up with typical Xavier activities such as attending the Frosh Mixer in August and planning to reach goals of hers, for example becoming a student ambassador for Xavier and pursuing a career as a surgeon.
Jerri Butts, director of Xavier’s school attendance, said, “She is very serious about attending all her classes and staying caught up.”
Danna’s favorite class right now is theater with Teresa Corderman because she enjoys doing scenes and portraying scenarios as a class.
In her free time, Galindo Morales likes to watch shows like “Gossip Girl” and “Vampire Diaries” and complete diamond art, which is a form of art where images or symbols are covered by a clear wax sheet and diamonds are assembled by following a color guide, revealing a picture.
Not only is Danna serious about academics, but also her faith. Conchos said, “For Danna, to be Christian means living with Christ and that in living her Catholic faith, Christ lives in her.”
Paulina remains strong in her faith to stand as a role model for Danna despite her daughter’s medical adversity.
“Teniendo fay en que todo está bien”(Having faith, I know it will all be OK), Paulina says.
According to Danna, her mother and her teachers have been her biggest outlet of support in high school so far. Paulina encourages her to make her health her top priority and her teachers have been understanding and helpful.
Not only do Danna’s teachers support her at Xavier, but also the entire faculty, including the women in the attendance office, who have gotten to know Danna well in her time at Xavier.
“She is a beacon of hope, strength and positivity,” said Gina Kaiser, attendance personnel.
