Teen visiting Phoenix hospital on Make-A-Wish book tour - CBS 5 - KPHO

A teenage girl battling cancer is inspiring children at the Phoenix Children's Hospital on Tuesday on her book tour through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Melinda Marchiano has been battling cancer since she was 13-years-old.

During Melinda's fight with Hodgkin's Lymphoma she began writing down her daily struggles in a notebook. Make-A-Wish spokesperson Kim Miller said what started as a journal became a published book that has uplifted the lives of children battling cancer in children's hospitals on the West Coast. Melinda's wish was for a book tour so she could share her story, called Grace; A Child's Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery with even more children with life-threatening diseases.

Cancer survivor and cyclist Lance Armstrong said, "Melinda Marchiano offers an honest and inspiring portrayal of her cancer experience through the eyes of a teenager and proves there is medicinal value in love and laughter. Melinda and I share a common bond. We are survivors. And we believe in the importance of empowering fellow survivors to live life on their own terms. By sharing her story, Melinda is giving a voice to this global epidemic that needs immediate attention. I am grateful to Melinda for having the courage to speak up and for her generosity in helping others fighting cancer."

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