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I first met Hawa at Saturday's patient screening. There was something different about her - a boldness, a fearlessness. She held her head high, and stared at the camera. Wondering how she was able to eat, I learned by watching as she cocked her head back unnaturally, opening her mouth. A small space appeared between the tumor and her lower lip.

Chief surgeon Dr. Gary Parker was concerned Hawa wouldn't be strong enough for the surgery - concerns that vanished when he saw her playing basketball on deck with one of the kids from the ship. She sank 5 in a row.