Football and a new school were the only things on Aaron Mervin’s mind as he prepared for the life as a ninth-grader at Apex High School in 2007.

But one day while lifting weights, Aaron’s back began to hurt. Soon he felt a profound weakness in both legs and his digestive system began acting strange.

He went to UNC Hospitals, and after several scans and a five hour biopsy procedure, Aaron was diagnosed with cancer of the spine.

Under the care of Dr. Stuart Gold, Aaron went through one year of intensive chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Today, Aaron is free of cancer and is doing all the things he always wanted to do as a 16-year-old. He’s learning to drive, hanging out with friends and family, and participating in sports.

“He is an inspiration to us all,” Dr. Gold says. “Aaron is courageous, caring and compassionate, and hopefully cured of his cancer.”

Aaron recently received the honor of cutting the ribbon on the new NC Cancer Hospital in Chapel Hill. He also one of the subjects featured in a specially commissioned photography exhibit, “The New Face of Cancer Care.”

The exhibit, with photographs by North Carolina photographers Neil Boyd, Rachel Garrison and Tamara Lackey, will be displayed in the lobby of the hospital until Friday, Nov. 13.

Aaron, the son of Chris and Della Mervin of Apex, is also appearing in ads for the N.C. Cancer Hospital.

The UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the N.C. Cancer Hospital are creating the new face of cancer research and treatment in North Carolina. An unprecedented effort to make strides against cancer and the suffering it causes is fueled by collaboration across the population, basic and clinical sciences.

The state’s only public cancer hospital, the 315,000 square foot facility was funded by an $180 million authorization of funds from the N.C. General Assembly. The new hospital triples the previous patient care space and significantly increases the number of patients that can be served.

For more information about the hospital and to watch an interview with Aaron and his mother, Della, visit www.unclineberger.org.