First Female Tiny Tim May Fit the Role More Than Most

According to Chicago Tribune, Paris Strickland became the first female to play Tiny Tim when she took the stage in The Goodman Theatre's latest production of the Christmas classic. But that's not all that makes her special. Strickland is a bit of a miracle herself.

On her connection to Tiny Tim, Strickland says, "We're really happy people. You would never see a frown on me or him."

This is especially remarkable when you know what this fourth grader has been through. in November 2007, when she was just 9 days old, Strickland was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer that affects the central nervous system. Within the first four months of her life, Strickland underwent four cycles of chemotherapy and surgery to remove the tumor wrapped around her spinal cord. She spent much of the first three years of her life in and out of hospitals.

Now ten years old, she's in a long-term cancer survivors program and has frequent checkups with specialists, but the cancer is at bay.

Mom Lauren Strickland says, "For Paris to even be here with us today is a miracle in itself. Just this week, I was driving in my car thinking, 'Wow. I can't believe where we were and where we are.'"

On being the first girl to play Tiny Tim at the Goodman, Paris said, "I can show the world that girls can do anything."

Check out the full article here.