Ilijah Barron stands out among his high school graduating class and it's not just because of his charming personality.

"Everybody loves me at school it's about my education don't get me wrong but everybody loves," said Barron.

It's because of his positive attitude, even through battling a debilitating illness.

During his junior year Barron was diagnosed with bone cancer. He missed more than 100 days of school while getting chemotherapy treatment. He even almost missed his senior ball.

"It's so hard watching him go through his down moments but at the end of the day, he’s a fighter,” said Ilijah’s mother Nelisha Barron. “I’ve never seen anyone so strong and determined."

But with the help from his mother, nurses, and friends- he was able to experience his first dance. Seeing the hospital floor decorated like prom moved Barron to tears.

"I cried for the first 30 minutes of the ball,” Ilijah said. “It was fun though."

Feeling strong and supported, he wanted to make it to his high school graduation.

When it was his turn to walk the stage, the crowd cheered as he stood up from his wheelchair.

"That was one of the most amazing feelings ever,” said Nelisha. “To see people to be able to support him and have everybody stand and have a standing ovation just to have him get his diploma it was amazing."

Today Barron is still in the hospital, getting chemotherapy treatment and recovering from surgery. By his side is his mother, who says he inspires everyone, including her.

"He is my hero,” Nelisha said. “I don't know how else to say that. He gives me all my strength. You just know you're going to get through it, so he's my hero."

Barron was accepted into SUNY Brockport and he hopes to be well enough to go in the fall, showing that even on his hospital bed he won't be brought down.

"It's sucks but I wouldn't change it for the world,” Ilijah said.”

The family has also set up a GoFund Me page