By Katie Vasquez
Christopher Safi can laugh and smile now, but there was a moment he didn’t expect to make it this far.
At just 14 months old he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare pediatric cancer in his kidney. Then, at four years old, doctors found a cancerous tumor in the back of his neck.
“Doctors tried their best, but they wasn’t expecting me to have the outcome that I that I have today,” said Safi. “I was in very critical condition.”
The Brooklyn resident thought his days in the hospital were over at the age of six when he was cleared.
But years later he was back when the tumor returned, eventually having brain surgery in 2019 at the age of 17.
“Life is limited and just do what you love,” said Safi.
As he recovered he leaned on his faith to get through.
“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for St. Sharbel,” said Safi. “He’s been or he’s been on my side since day one of diagnosis. I go and I thank him. and every time I’m walking around everyday he’s always in my pocket protecting me.”
Christopher is a parishioner and altar server at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Cathedral in Brooklyn Heights.
The rector says his life journey can be a lesson to others.
“I think his resiliency is speaks speaks volumes to the people,” said Father Dominique Hanna, the rector of Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Cathedral. “I’m sure they would look at Chris and say you know he’s doing all that and we are kind of not suffering from anything and we can’t do probably half of what he does.”
The 21 year old says his experience pushed him to help others which is why he started Little Golden Light, a non profit that helps pediatric cancer patients.
“God has a plan for everybody,” said Safi. “I think my path is to focus on helping the children, helping the families.”
He also has another reason to be happy, a clean bill of health.
“I think you just got to stay in there, have faith, trust god,” Safi added.
If you want to learn more about Christopher’s organization you can visit its website: Little Golden Light