Morgan Guyll doesn't plan on letting a pesky tumor in her back keep her from having a career, a family and a home.

The 17-year-old Garfield resident has big plans for the future: graduation from Pea Ridge High School in May, turning 18 in August, attending NWACC.

Dealing with a second benign tumor on her back, along with extensive surgery and rehab, isn't going to slow her down.

"There are days I have breakdowns," she says, on a sunny, Sunday afternoon two days before her second scheduled surgery.

"But I think of future events. I tell myself, 'You can't die, you have to help with your aunt's baby shower, you have to walk at graduation.'

"It sounds silly but it's what has gotten me this far," she said.

The second time is the charm

Guyll is very well versed in her medical condition and she quickly and aptly describes her tumor.

While she's concerned about her surgery, she feels more comfortable about the situation than the first surgery.

"Last time, it was life or death. This time, it's more planned."

Thirty people are traveling to Little Rock's Arkansas Children's Hospital for her surgery. Her boyfriend of three years, Brandon Carnahan, is taking off work for a week. Her mother, Lacie, is taking off a month for her recuperation.

Guyll tends to look at the upside of things. Take, for instance, the devastating loss of her beautiful dog, Achilles.

Her beloved dog, which ran away a month ago, was the first pet she and Carnahan shared. Though she misses him dearly, the situation has brought the two closer together, not farther apart.

"We've learned to lean on each other more."

She views the surgery and rehab the same way.

"I'm a roller coaster person, but I probably won't be able to do roller coasters anymore," she said, laughing.

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Editor's note: This is the first in a two-part series about Morgan Guyll, ambassador for Arkansas Children's Hospital and Pea Ridge High School senior.