Today we’d like to introduce you to Aniya Simmons.
Aniya, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I would like to thank you for allowing me to share my story. I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in July of 2017. I was 15 going into my sophomore year of high school. I ended up doing school online the entire year being that I spent the entire process in and out of the hospital. I had 31 rounds of chemotherapy, 28 rounds of radiation and a radical hysterectomy. It was definitely a process, being so young and having to adapt to my what was my “new lifestyle”. Pre-Covid, I had to wear a mask everywhere I went, I even had to wear a mask around my mom but especially around people. I had to be extra careful at all times, not because I could get people sick but because being around other people was a risk itself. I was able to go back to school my Junior year after beating cancer and graduated with my friends without falling behind. Going through that journey has helped me in ways I didn’t even know I needed help in, especially mentally.
It made me mature a lot quicker than most people my age and taught me strengths I didn’t even know I had. My belief in God most definitely helped me make it through those hard times. Keeping my family and friends around also played a big factor. I am also now a wish kid. The Make-A-Wish foundation came to me while I was in the hospital and told me I was eligible to have a wish granted. I wished to meet and sing with Jessie J, it happened and it was definitely a great way to end off my treatments. I then went on to sing with Jessie J at one of her concerts in ATL and we had a ball. Then from that point on, I have been traveling and performing with Make-A-Wish foundation at their conferences galas, wish balls and many more. Now today I am still healed and well, I am pursuing my dream on being a Musical Theatre performer. I graduated college from the American Musical Theatre and Dramatic Academyand since then I have been in “Dreamgirls” and “The Color Purple”. I am still auditioning today and my next stop is Broadway so keep a lookout for Aniya Simmons.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been an easy road. Some challenges along the way was wondering if Cancer was going to come back?, wondering if I was going to beat it in times where we had setbacks. Wondering if getting sick was going to keep me from performing?, did I need to find another career? One of the things my doctors and I have talked about was how my bones would be different. I could start having pains, how I need to go to Physical Therapy. The best thing I can do for myself was to take care of my body and pray.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As stated before, I am a Musical Theatre performer. Musical Theatre isn’t the only thing I want to accomplish, I also want to act and be in movies and TV Shows. I am known for my singing. I grew up singing in church. Singing is my passion but once I discovered musicals, it was like I wanted to all of a sudden to acting, singing and dancing. I am most proud of my growth as a performer. Traveling with Make-A-Wish has most definitely helped with my nerves before getting on stage. That sounds funny but it’s true. I always get so nervous before getting on stage, even when I did “Dreamgirls” and “The Color Purple”, I would have to get myself together backstage. The thing that sets me apart from others is my drive and when I do hit the stage and the lights are up, the music is playing, it’s go time. As my momma always tells me “I’m leaving it all on the floor every time”.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
The one thing I would love to share with your readers is to always put yourself first. Take care of yourself and never think you owe anybody anything. Live your life for you, love yourself, speak highly of yourself and chase your dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://aniyasimmons.com/
- Instagram: aniya_j_simmons
Image Credits:
West 38, NYC
