CHICAGO (CBS) — Christina Kreil teaches social studies at Richards High School, which she calls her dream job. She’s also pursuing her dream of playing soccer on the biggest stage. And she’s doing it while battling a rare disease.

Christina Kreil fell in love with soccer in fifth grade and played throughout high school — but she did so while experiencing pain in her right foot.

“It was really tough kicking with the tumor,” he said. “I was able to play my senior year and then it was just managing the pain.”

Christina was diagnosed with a rare bone giant cell tumor when she was 17, which required the amputation of her foot last February.

A year or so later, she found a way to play soccer again when she discovered the U.S. Women’s Amputee Soccer National Team.

“I saw them on the news because they had gone to play in Poland and a friend sent me a link and said, ‘Have you seen this?'”

Christina was named to the team in May. She is the only player from Illinois on a nationwide roster.

They are preparing for the first Women’s Amputee World Cup to be held in Colombia in November.

“The coach sends the workouts,” she said. “We do the workouts and we have to film ourselves on WhatsApp or record ourselves doing the workouts. It’s helpful because every day you see them posting, ‘Elena, run a mile.’ I have to run a mile. I’m learning to be an amputee, I’m learning to play with crutches, I’m 41, so I train differently now. So it’s just a lot of new things.”

In addition to sharing her workouts, Christina works on her local skills with the Chicago Amputee Soccer Club and finds strength in the community.

“It’s great to be able to move forward and play sports and take on a new challenge and not be afraid to fail and fall. That’s the great thing about this sport. It gives you that opportunity and I couldn’t be prouder,” said Andrew Paine, founder of Chicago Amputee Soccer Club.

“It’s amazing to see her be a part of this. I love that she’s representing our country and Chicago,” said Angela Wildhack of the Chicago Amputee Soccer Club.

A true inspiration, Christina continues to battle the disease, which has spread to her lungs and lymph nodes.

“That’s how I move forward,” he said. “I fail a little every day. You just have to try something else, and that can be tiring. But there are little eyes watching me.”

Christina is trying to balance everything and is currently teaching summer school at Richards High School.

“She continues to impact people despite the odds. She’s strong and that keeps her humble,” said Malinda Majoch, principal of Richards High School.

“They’ve come out in a big way. I mean, I can’t repay everything they’ve done for me, so it humbles me,” Kreil said.

A humble individual who is easy to support. Christina travels across the country to find a specialist for her condition. She wants to spread awareness of her condition and the Women’s Amputee Football Team, and continues to fundraise for things like equipment.