Almost a year later, the family has put the contest prize money to great use. The money helped pay doctor bills and allowed Sophie's mom to take time off work to be with Sophie during her long stretches in the hospital.

At the Children's Miracle Network Hospital where Sophie's receiving treatments, kids get a bead for every tough thing they endure – whether it's blood draws, chemotherapy treatments, scans, or the nights spent away from home. Sophie has 400 of these "Beads of Courage."

She's gone through quite a bit, but as you can see in this new photo, cancer has not beaten her. Sophie will finish her current treatment by the end of June, and will be on some meds through August. The worst of her treatment will be over by the first week of July – just in time for Independence Day!

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