Pa. teen overcomes leukemia, graduates high school

KINGSTON, Pa. (WPVI) -- Graduation day turned emotional for a Luzerne County teenager, because she never thought she'd ever get her diploma.

Taylor Thoryk was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia nearly two years ago.

She fought the disease with the backing of her family and friends.

After hitting the books hard her senior year, Thoryk and her family got the moment they've all been waiting for.

Thoryk says she had just one message on her mind:

"It kind of made me realize that you should not take life for granted, and the people you have in your family and with you," she said.

Thoryk will attend Luzerne community college next year.

She plans to pursue a career in early childhood education.