Lakesha Ball from Baltimore is now cancer-free, and she saw no better way to celebrate than by ringing the cancer-free bell after finishing her last treatment at the University of Maryland Proton Center.
A viral video shows a strong woman who fought hard and came out the other side as a victor and excitedly ringing the bell while letting out a dam of pent-up emotions.
And we're all feeling her feels.
The 42-year-old mother of five told WBFF News of ringing the bell:
"I could not stop, all that pain, that agony."
"Everything I've been through, I released on that bell when I rang it."
One of Ball's daughters posted the viral video and tweeted:
"Today my mother RUNG THE BELL. My baby is CANCER FREE. THANK YOU LORDDD ... RING THAT BELL MA. Take it off the wall You are BLESSED."
Ball went through chemotherapy after she was first diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2017. That same year in December, she found another lump.
During her interview, Ball held onto her earrings and credited her faith in a higher power for her new lease on life:
"These crosses, you'll probably see me with them every day because he did it for me. He did it for me."
When it came time for her to ring the cancer bell, she said she arrived "super early" with her family.
"I stepped in front of the bell and I said, 'Thank you Lord' and everybody started screaming and when I grabbed that string on the bell. I wasn't trying to take those people's bell out of the wall. Yes I was.'"
Her exultation resonated with Twitter.
Ball's daughter M'Rhaiyah Mitchell told Good Morning America:
"No more stressing, no more sleepless nights worrying about my mama [in] pain."
"I'm so happy to see her smile."
She added:
"I'm so happy my mother is able to share her story so everyone else who is fighting cancer can understand to always have faith and never feel like you're alone when you have God."
"When my mom rung that bell I felt a different type of happy. I could not stop smiling and crying."
Others shared stories of losing their loved ones to cancer, but also expressed their joy for Ball's celebration of life.
Once she had a firm grip on the string, she couldn't let go as her emotions and renewed vitality took over. When she was finished, the burden from enduring her toughest challenge was lifted, and it was time to continue living.
"When I walked out of that clinic that day, I am free, that's all I can say. I am free."
Let life ring, Lakesha!
@WhiteHouse/X
