"Back in August, I was headed out to California for my sixth surgery. When I was born prematurely, I was born with a birth-defect, called a hemangioma. This was to be my sixth, and hopefully final surgery. Over the past year and a half, I have remained close with boy-band V Factory. A month before I headed out to California, I was at V Factory's Listening Party--where I spoke to member Nicky T about my surgery, and possibly seeing them while I was out. One month later..August 4th, Nicky invited me to a rehearsal at Millennium Dance Complex in California. Well, he kind of forgot to tell the guys! But, it was hilarious seeing their reactions, but, once they all realized--they all greeted me by hugs (being the gentlemen they are). During rehearsals, the guys would rehearse--goof off for a while (haha), but they were so sweet! In between breaks, they would all come over, and talk with me. I always saw Jared as quiet, but he was so talkative with me, and I loved it! They truly all were--and they all so interested in my surgery! This wasn't about them the rehearsal, it was kind of about me, and them getting to know me on more of a personal level. Well, let me tell you, 3 straight hours, with 5 such good look guys, is amazing. Besides being good looking, these guys are incredibly sweet and true gentlemen. They didn't have to invite me to a rehearsal, they didn't have to let me stay for 3 hours, but they did--and I couldn't appreciate it more.  Before I left, I knew it was two days before Jared Murillo's birthday so I said "Oh yeah, by the way happy birthday", and he replied saying "Thank you! Good luck with the surgery, and by the way--your monkey is in my car." (it was a present I had given him--that's another story, haha). Before leaving, they all exchanged hugs, and wished me luck on my way out. Let me just say, this was the day before my surgery, and all of my worries and nerves were gone--thank to these guys.

Alexa"