Loganville, Georgia’s 17-year-old Aubrey Barnett has attained an amazing accomplishment. She graduated from Walnut Grove High School on May 20, 2025, having won the horrendous fight with cancer. Diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma, Aubrey’s journey began during her senior year when she first noticed a lump on her neck in the summer of 2024.
That diagnosis, delivered on September 16, 2024, ignited a long and difficult chapter for Aubrey. She received high doses of chemotherapy at the Blank Hospital, one of three Atlanta sites for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The month of treatment lasted three months and included not just standard chemotherapy, but injections directly into her spinal cord. During this time, Aubrey experienced devastating side effects, such as excruciating mouth sores and hair loss.
Despite these challenges, Aubrey’s resilience shone through. On Thanksgiving 2024, she rang the bell, signifying a victorious end to her chemotherapy regiment. In honor of this incredible milestone, she rang the hospital’s victory bell — a traditional symbol of celebrating beats cancer bond.
Aubrey’s life was more than her tragic medical journey, it was defined by her victories as well. She was crowned homecoming queen at her high school, all while actively receiving treatment. This recognition was a testament to her indomitable spirit and the tremendous love and support of her colleagues. Her friends and family — from Mercer, across the city and around the country — quickly surrounded her with support at Arthur M. Blank Hospital. They painted her room and raised her spirits.
Aubrey says that a lot of her strength comes from always trying to keep a positive attitude while she was sick. She remarked, “Whatever you’re going through, you can get through it if your mindset is right.” This resilience shone through all during her experience, as she concentrated on what was going right — not on what was going wrong.
Aubrey’s mother, Chancey Barnett, described the emotional impact of receiving the diagnosis, but was hopeful that her daughter was strong enough to combat it. “It was just heart-wrenching to hear when they told us what it was,” Chancey said. But just by looking at her, I knew that it was going to be okay just because, you know, she’s a fighter, and she’s strong. I knew she’d be OK.
Aubrey’s experience has shaped not only her own journey, but the journeys of those she inspired. Allen, a representative from Walnut Grove High School, stated, “Aubrey Barnett’s strength, courage, and uplifting spirit have inspired our entire school community.”
Aubrey’s story is an inspiring example of what can be done when you refuse to settle despite challenging circumstances. She’s used her challenges and experiences to inspire others. She challenges them to adopt an attitude of hope and optimism, even when the chips are down.
Aubrey can’t wait to move past high school and into whatever comes next for her. She’s determined to continue making that journey public, every step of the way. She considers it her calling to help people understand that there’s a reason for everything and inspire them to see hope in their hardships. “I feel like that’s the biggest thing is to have a good mindset,” she shared. “If you just think about all the negatives, you’re never going to be able to get through it.”
