Sixteen-year-old Alexis Silva isn’t just a talented singer-songwriter from California—she’s a survivor, a storyteller, a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo, and an advocate for childhood cancer awareness. In a powerful interview on Luminary Sounds, Alexis opened up about her music, her battle with a life-threatening tumor, and her mission to use her voice for change.
From singing The Little Mermaid as a child to performing in school choirs and talent shows, Alexis always felt music was her outlet. By age 8, she was writing her own songs. Her journey took a dramatic turn at 13, when she began to experience mysterious symptoms. After exhaustive tests, doctors discovered a 10 cm tumor on her adrenal gland, initially believed to be a rare and deadly form of cancer—adrenocortical carcinoma.
Though her parents kept the severity of her condition secret at first, Alexis soon pieced together the truth. The experience left her physically and emotionally shaken. “I remember thinking, ‘Is this goodnight or goodbye?’” she said—words that would become a lyric in her song Backseat Driver. Fortunately, after a high-risk surgery lasting 7–8 hours and involving multiple specialists, she was left with a 12-inch scar across her belly and a two-week hospital stay. During that time, she had a chance to reflect and think about her life when she learned on the first post operative day that she had beaten the odds; the tumor was benign and she did not need to undergo chemotherapy. She was ecstatic, and it further strengthened her goal of helping other kids deal with cancer and cancer-related diagnoses.
The experience transformed Alexis. She channeled her trauma into songwriting, creating deeply personal tracks like Backseat Driver and Proof of Life. Her upcoming EP, featuring the new single Dirty Windows, explores themes of resilience, identity, and emotional healing.
But Alexis didn’t stop with music. She launched a nonprofit, The Fight’s Not Over Yet, which has already raised over $11,000 for CHOC (Children’s Hospital of Orange County) to help kids fight cancer. Every stream of her music helps fund pediatric cancer research.
Alexis’s maturity, grit, and generosity are remarkable. She dreams of meeting inspirations like Selena Gomez and hopes to one day collaborate with country legend Billy Ray Cyrus, as well as the many other artists who have already offered their support. Her message is clear: “The odds are just odds. You are a fighter. Nobody fights alone.”
To support Alexis’s mission, visit thefightsnotoveryet.org and stream Backseat Driver on multiple platforms.
Watch the full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNEj8PpOWPM
Play her new song Dirty Windows here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIOJftDfJV0
Backseat Driver is also streaming, watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBM3k3U4MGk
P.S.: Alexis has also been named the first Teen Ambassador for the Children’s Oncology Support Fund (COSF). Saturday, June 7th, she will lead a walk-a-thon as their teen ambassador starting at 10AM on Santa Monica Pier. You can physically join her on the walk or be there through the internet and walk in spirit. Stay tuned for more information on her Instagram account (instagram.com/alexis.e.silva)
Alexis was also interviewed by CBS to be on the syndicated TV show called Heroes Among Us, stay tuned for the date and time.
Announced at the Cannes Film Festival by COSF founder Thomas Pierce, Alexis earned the role through her inspiring journey overcoming a life-threatening medical condition and launching her own foundation, The Fight’s Not Over Yet, to support children battling cancer. As part of her new role, she will lead a team to raise awareness and funds at the CHLA Walk & Play LA event. A passionate musician and advocate, Alexis aims to help young patients facing financial, emotional, and health-related challenges through her foundation and music. For the full article please visit this link. We will also be posting this information to her website alexissilva.com.
