After brain cancer, Johnson High senior chooses career to help others - Gainesville Times

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After brain cancer, Johnson High senior chooses career to help others

Maddie Williams, a Johnson High School graduate, will attend University of North Georgia. Williams, who plays piano religiously, was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 16 and her experience has inspired her to become a neurosurgeon. - photo by David Barnes

Maddie Williams — Maddie Williams, a Johnson High School graduate, will attend University of North Georgia. Williams, who plays piano religiously, was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 16 and her experience has inspired her to become a neurosurgeon. - photo by David Barnes

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. That’s what Maddie Williams’ mother, Jennifer, reminds her of on a regular basis. So that's how the she has lived her life since she was diagnosed with grade-3 anaplastic ependymoma, a malignant brain tumor about the size of a golf ball.