Freshman Nicholas Mercer thinks about the day he was diagnosed with a rare cancer called Basal Cell Nevus Carcinoma syndrome also known as Gorlin’s syndrome. This cancer causes facial swelling and can even result in tooth displacement along with jaw problems. Not wanting any special treatment from his peers, Mercer isn’t upfront with his disease unless the topic is brought up.

Mercer, who has suffered with the illness all his life, has learned ways to deal with the everyday stress of having a disorder.

“I don’t want people to see me any different from what they have to,” Mercer said.

Although there is no complete way to stop the cancer from being in his body the cancer is not terminal and can be temporarily treated with surgery. Without taking medication, Mercer has surgery about once every two months.

“I’m used to it, most people go through life not doing what they want to do before they die, for me I am going to live my life to the fullest,” Mercer said.

Other than trying to be careful physically and being exempt from Physical Education, Mercer can not be outside for more than one hour without sunscreen.

“I can’t get a tan, so I stay in the shade or play video games,” Mercer said.

Although Mercer keeps a positive attitude, he sometimes feels like he needs a break.

“There are times when I come home from school and I am so tired. I will go straight to bed and wake up the next morning at five a.m.,” Mercer said.

Dr. Michael Zide, who specializes in oral maxillofacial surgery, became a heavy influence in Mercers life. Dr. Zide reminds Mercer of journalism adviser Leland Mallett.

“He is like the doctor version of Mr. Mallett. He is always telling jokes and being funny,” Mercer said.

One of Mercers friends, freshman Austin Rich, believes his friend will be just fine and things will be all right in the end.

“I hope that it will go away and that everything will be okay,” Rich said.

Rich thinks there are two ways to help a friend who has cancer.

“Stick beside your friend and remember to pray and hope everything will work out,” Rich said.

As far as coping with a friend who has cancer, Rich has learned bringing it up doesn’t always help, and doing activities like normal people with Mercer is the best medicine.

“I don’t really think about it when I’m hanging out with him, he is just like everybody else. I pretend I don’t know about it, because it doesn’t affect our friendship,” Rich said.

Mercer believes God gave him cancer to teach him a valuable lesson and everything happens for a reason.

“I think God is trying to teach me responsibility.” Mercer said. “Everything does happen for a reason even if we don’t know why.”