Mid-Coast Kids

You can download the Mid-Coast Kids application in PDF form or complete the application online here

 

Briseis Anna Sekula “Honey”

 

“Honey was diagnosed November 22, 2021 - this was after three months of arguing with doctors about a swollen lymph node and an unexplained ankle fracture. The pediatric orthopedic doctor and a friend of my wife who’s a pharmacist said keep pressing them because the two are related.

 

After Honey’s biopsy, we got the bad news and had to take her to University immediately. She spent 12 days in the pedi hemonc icu before being released home. She couldn’t walk for six months. I had to take her for treatment twice a week for months then once a week. She’s had over 30 spinal taps where they took samples and put chemo into her spine to protect her brain. She’s had three bone marrow biopsies so far. Honey has a mediport in her chest to access her for labs and chemo. Luckily, appointments now are monthly and she gets a spinal tap every 12 weeks.

Losing her hair was the biggest upset to Honey. Her hair is now coming back. She can run and play to an extent. She has developed a cataract due to the steroids she’s been on and now has to have cataract surgery soon. Honey loves school and loves to eat. Doctors say her appetite and strong will is why she’s doing so good! Honey loves playing “and fighting” with her twin brother. Typical girl. She loves playing with her LOL dolls, Barbie’s and dressing up as a Disney princess. Honey likes riding in the tractor, helping me with the cows and checking on her chickens. She loves eggs and we have farm fresh eggs for her everyday.

If all stays on course - January 2024 after a final bone marrow aspirate she will be considered cured. In mean time daily chemo and monthly visits until then!”

 

Kristella Serna

 

“Kristella (Stella) Serna is a 7yr old from San Antonio Texas that was diagnosed with a rare type of brain cancer called myxopapillary ependymoma when she was 5yrs in March 2021. Eight months prior to her diagnosis she started having leg pains. After many doctor visits/ X-rays/ lab work, the doctors all told us the pains were just growing pains. After months of the leg pains coming and going Stella started having difficulty standing up. She eventually stopped being able to stand without assistance. We made another appt with the doctor knowing that it couldn’t just be growing pains. The doctor ordered an MRI a couple of weeks out and as we waited for the MRI date Stella stopped being able to walk altogether. She also started having other issues like going to the bathroom. On the day of the MRI 3/16/21, we were super nervous but really excited to hopefully figure out what was going on so we could fix it and get her the help she needed. After the MRI we headed home only to get a call from her pediatrician that we needed to return to the hospital immediately because there was a large tumor intertwined in her spine that was leaking fluid into her abdomen. We rushed back and prepared for surgery first thing the following morning. After the surgery that removed 70-80% of the tumor, the pathology report came back and the doctor informed us that it was Cancer. I can’t remember everything that was said after that because the room went silent for me as I was trying to process that I was just told my child has cancer… as I write this that feeling is still so fresh and tears fill my eyes. “Your child has cancer” are words that no parent should ever have to hear. A few weeks after the surgery, we started proton radiation treatment in Houston Texas. She was sedated daily (Mon-Fri) for her radiation treatment and she handled it so well. The staff at MD Anderson in Houston was just AMAZING and helped us so much during that time.

 

Stella is able to walk and run again after treatment, but it left her with medical complications consisting of a paralyzed bladder, mild scoliosis, and nerve damage to her legs that causes some pain. The remaining original tumor is in operable at this time located at the very bottom of the spine. It is currently stable and we pray daily that it stays that way. Most recently, we found out in Jan 2023 that there are two new tumors located at the top of her spine which means the cancer has spread. We are heartbroken with the news but staying postive as the tumors are very small. The plan is to currently watch the new tumors and the old one with MRI’s every three months.

 

After Stella’s diagnosis, our family has forever been changed and will never be the same. So many things were put into perspective. Spending time together as a family has become the most important thing to us! Time has become the most precious thing to us as we don’t know what’s to come.”

 

   - Cynthia Vanegas Serna (Stella’s Mom)

 

Christina Rankin-Luis

 

"Hello my name is Christina Rankin-Luis. They call me CeeCee. Three months before my 15th birthday on August 2nd I became paralyzed almost over night. After rushing me to the hospital they found a tumor pressing up against my spinal cord. They had to do emergency surgery to remove it or I would have been paralyzed for life. After spending a week in ICU, we got the news. I have Ewings Sarcoma. It is a rare, very aggressive child and young adult cancer. They placed a port over my heart and started chemo the same night. I am learning to walk again and currently receiving chemo and radiation. Radiation is every day - 5 days a week for 2 months. I have allready completed a 3 month chemo treatment and just recently started a 6 month chemo treatment. I am immunocompromised, which means I have no immune system. Please pray for a full recovery. Thank You and God Bless!"

 

Braxton Castillo

 

“Braxton was diagnosed with (ALL) on October 19, 2022, what we thought was a fractured collar bone from playing a game of football with his friends at the Fourth of July parade in our hometown turned out to be something we’d never thought we’d hear. After 3 months of taking him to the doctor with his shoulder hurting the doctors at Texas Children’s Hospital in the Woodlands Texas were finally able to diagnose our boy. We were sent straight to Texas Children’s in downtown Houston where we began treatment immediately. While Braxton has a good prognosis our road to “cancer free” will be a long one. He has to undergo 2 and a half years of chemotherapy in downtown Houston. Though this is something our family never imagined we would go through Braxton is one tough little boy, he gives us all the hope and strength we need to push through."

 

Kirbie Ann Pedrazine

 

"Kirbie Ann Pedrazine is an amazing little girl. She was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma which is not rare where her tumor is. In late September her left side of her face started to swell and we rushed her to the hospital where we were told she had a mass and we needed to get her to Texas Children's Hospital so we rode on an ambulance to find out on September 27, 2021 her tumor was .5 a cm from her brain stem and surgery was not an option. She started chemo and radiation immediately and for 6 weeks straight she had to receive radiation. The doctors told us that they couldn't say that it would work quickly enough or even if it would work. I watched this little girl who was five at the time continously bet every odd they gave her. By the time radiation had ended the tumor had shrank 60% the way. The whole time she had a smile on her face and also was there for other kids that were scared. On August 4 2022 she got to ring her bell. She has gone back to school and has returned to a sum what normal routine. The tumor is now scar tissue and is still shrinking and because of this she still has to have scans and blood work every 3 months for the next few years. She is our super hero and we are so proud of her. She is 6 months cancer free trying new things and living her best life."

 

Elijah Delgado

 

"Elijah (Eli) was diagnosed February 5, 2019 with T Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a week after his 5th birthday. Eli had been sick for about 3 months beforehand and he was sent to many different specialists, hospitals, ct scans, ultrasounds and his regular pcp visits. Everyone just said he had a virus and it had to run its course and he would get better. It never got better! He lost over 10 pounds, would scream in pain, stomach was always upset and hurting, couldn’t walk, had no energy and just kept getting told to go to a gastroenterologist and he probably had irritable bowel syndrome.

 

I will never forget the diagnosis day. Eli wasn’t feeling good like usual. It was my off day and I needed to run errands but my daughter missed the bus so I had to drop her off. As I was driving something just told me to turn into this hospital parking lot and go and tell Eli’s story of being so sick. Of course they told me the same thing that he probably had a stomach bug but they would do some bloodwork and a ct scan to see if they could see anything wrong. Well I am so glad we stopped because I got an answer that nobody would ever want to hear. They came in and told me they believed he had cancer and he needed to be transferred down to the Medical Center in Houston.

 

We arrived to Memorial Hermann to basically be told that he was to sick for them to treat him and he needed to be rushed over to MD Anderson. From that moment on Eli’s cancer journey started.

Eli spent all of 2019 in the hospital. He was placed in the icu for 3 months then a regular room for almost a year. He had to have a dialysis line, picc line, a port inserted and a gtube placed. He battled many different infections and was always neutropenic. He received many blood and platelet transfusions, numerous lumbar punctures, and 3.5 years of chemo! He went into anaphylactic shock 3 times and we almost lost him 5 times that year. He also had to learn to re walk 5 times and still to this day is in physical therapy.

 

2020/2021/2022 came and went and covid tried to rule the world. Eli still had to battle cancer and throw in 5 rounds of covid, multiple days of being so sick and weak, the talk/signs of relapse and long covid symptoms. Thank God he didn’t relapse and July 25, 2022 Eli completed his cancer treatment!!

 

Eli still battles all the side effects of his cancer treatments. He has overcome everything that has been thrown at him and he is the biggest trooper you will ever meet!"

 

   - Leanne Delgado

 

Ashlynne Sienna Mannes

 

"Ashlynne Sienna Mannes forever 18 Ashlynne was diagnosed with Epithelioid Sarcoma at the age of 15 after chemotherapy, radiation and surgery she went into remission for 1 year but in September of 2021 it came back in her brain, spine, and lymph nodes she finished an aggressive plan of brain surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation scans showed NED in August of 2022. In November she became sick and with a trip to the emergency department found out the sarcoma came back in her liver, brain, and spine. Ashlynne developed an infection the week chemotherapy was planned she spent 5 days in the ICU and sadly passed away 12/2/2022.

She was the most kind person you would meet, she was creative (she loved writing poetry) funny, and sassy her nickname from her nurses was sasslynne! She was outspoken and fought hard for those who couldn’t fight themselves. She wrote a blog where she made numerous friends in the cancer community and touched many lives. She loved her two sisters and brother fiercely. I was her best friend and she was mine. She loved animals and all she wanted was to own some land and open an animal sanctuary!"

 

   - Lisa Mannes

 

Ivy Holmes

 

"This is Ivy. She’s 3 years old, has the best big sister and little brother, who she loves so much, and up until January 2021, she was meeting every milestone a typical almost 18 month old should be meeting. Starting the beginning of January, Ivy started to constantly shake. She soon stopped walking and talking. Her pediatrician sent us to Temple where they performed scans and tests for a few days and released us with a diagnosis of “ataxia” and put her in PT and OT for the 2.5 months. On March 31, they wanted to do follow up scans. We took her to temple, did the scans and came home. About an hour after we got home, we got the phone call they found a mass and we needed to come back the next day. We dropped off our oldest daughter with my mom and headed to Temple where they informed us she had a disorder called Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome (which is a neurological disorder and the reason she could not walk) and Neuroblastoma. They proceeded to treat the OMS for two weeks using plasmapheresis before sending us home for a few weeks and putting Ivy back in PT. Once the OMS was treated, Ivy stopped shaking, started talking and began running and walking like no other again. In May of 2021, she began her journey to treat the Neuroblastoma. She has gone through 5 rounds of chemo, hernia surgery, along with multiple surgeries in between such as port placement/removal and a central line placement/removal, a 7 hour tumor removal, 2 high dose chemo rounds with 3 autologous bone marrow transplants, 12 rounds of radiation, and 5 rounds of immunotherapy. She finished treatment and had her end of treatment scans in October of 2022 which showed she was CLEAR of ALL disease and rang the bell on November 1, 2022! She now has scans every 3 months to make sure she continues to stay cancer free! Ivy continues to blow us away with how strong and brave she has been through all of this and never lets anyone forget she’s got this! #TinyHulkStrong"

 

   - Paige Holmes

 

Bristell Rayne Andrews

 

"Bristell Rayne Andrews (Brissy), our 4-year-old Ray of Sunshine, was
diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia when she was only 5 months old. I can’t begin to explain the shock to our family when we received this news. Fear, devastation, and confusion, all of this and so much more. Many questions were in our heads because this was all new; our family was not familiar with this disease. Bristell was air flighted to Children’s Medical Center in Dallas from the hospital close to us, and by the time we arrived to be with her, we literally felt like our lives we completely shattered. I remember that we gathered outside her room, held hands, and just cried out to God for help. We couldn’t eat or sleep. We just stared into space as we waited for answers. God began constantly reminding us of his words to stand on.

 

After days and then months, Bristell, her mom, and dad settled in and began to create lifelong bonds with the outstanding doctors and nursing staff at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. Bristell endured a brutal 5 rounds of chemo throughout her constant stay in the hospital for 9 months, and after experiencing overwhelming prayer, generosity, and love from those following her story, Bristell was blessed to receive a successful bone marrow transplant. The transplant and our Savior’s unfailing love and power allowed her to live a beautiful 3 years free from this evil disease.

 

On Christmas Day 2021, the worst of the worst happened. We took Bristell to the ER because we knew something wasn’t right. She had a fever and just couldn’t recover. Our hearts were shattered when the doctor told us that her blood numbers were off, so they transferred her back to Dallas. We knew that she had relapsed, but a few days following our arrival at Children’s we got full confirmation that her leukemia (AML) had returned.

 

Bristell received more chemotherapy and radiation treatments, was forced to spend months confined to her hospital room away from family and friends, and received another bone marrow transplant (from her father) and was in the hospital and then Ronald McDonald for the transplant recovery. She rekindled relationships with previous nurses and doctors, and we could see, yet again, the power of each prayer and God's hand at work.

 

Then again, the word relapse came after one of her visits to the hospital for testing. Bristell’s mother Kaylie wrote this after her relapse.

 

"This gets harder to hear each time it returns to us. This time it hit us like a train. Not only was it a shock, but it was also a “death sentence”. The numbers said the leukemia won. The doctors said they’d done all they could do. And even Bristell’s poor, sick body said it couldn’t take much more. We hit our knees and cried out to our Savior. I laid my girl at his feet believing fully that just a touch of His garment could wipe away our pain and offer us a miracle. We planned our days out with her, down to the minute. We left God in control and continued to ask for his divine intervention."

 

More than once I have honestly thought Bristell only had hours to live. We spent the week following this, praying and searching for even the slightest glimpse of hope. One night before falling asleep I stumbled upon an article about a trial in Kansas offering a drug for leukemia patients, and it seemed encouraging enough to ask our team about. There was little hope for Bristell to be accepted, but come to find out, this trial was being offered in Houston Texas! The doctor offering the drug called us the day after and said if we were committed to trying this drug he’d make it happen. We went from what seemed like the end, to a new beginning. We went from impossible to hopeful with nothing but a little faith. We thought we were supposed to be preparing to get home and get comfortable, but God made it clear that He had other plans. I cannot say what this trial will do for Bristell. It won’t be easy, and it’s already not comfortable for any of us. But I am certain that God lead us here, and that’s all I have, or need.

 

In the past few weeks, after having this mansion-sized door slammed in our faces, we have felt family, friends, and strangers from all over reach out and lift us up. God quickly answered by rearranging our situation. He made every person, prayer, and pain fit right into its place. God is good, EVEN when this life is agonizing.

 

Bristell and her parents drove to Houston, MD Anderson Cancer Center. She was admitted and the oncologists began running all kinds of tests. Eventually, she began the Trial Drug, and just when all seemed well. We received those shrilling words again. “We are sorry but we have bad news. Yes, the trial drug has been effective, but the Leukemia has spread to Bristell’s spinal cord. There is nothing else we can do!”

 

Although we wish Bristell could have continued living a normal 4-year-old life, God had other plans. She danced through the Gates of Heaven on September 7, 2022. God continues to give us his blessed assurance that our Brave Brissy is safe in the arms of Jesus and happy as ever. She will never face harm, fight a disease, or suffer from anything this world has. She is dancing and singing her favorite songs and for this, we are very thankful.

 

Bristell Rayne Andrew has received the ULTIMATE HEALING!

 

Please follow Bristell’s story and keep her family and loved ones in your prayers as we now must endure this life missing her laugh, her touch, and her sweet kisses.

 

Thank you for your support, in God’s name, we love you all!"
#bristellbrave

Charlie Van Eman

During the summer of 2020, Charlie began experiencing back pain that my husband Bill and I felt was unusual for a seven year old. We took him to our pediatrician, and he believed Charlie had just pulled a muscle and recommended that we try icing his back for the next couple of weeks. The pain continued to get worse, literally bringing Charlie to tears at night so we took him back to the pediatrician. Our pediatrician ran some blood work and noticed a few markers were elevated. Because the pain was getting worse, he sent us to Texas Children’s in the Woodlands for a CT scan on July 17, 2020. Bill and I both believed this would most likely show that Charlie had torn a muscle or had a similar injury that would be easy to treat.

 

After returning home from The Woodlands, we received a call later that day from our pediatrician saying that the CT scan had revealed that Charlie had lesions on his spine that should not be there. We were told to report to Texas Children’s Hospital in the Houston Medical Center that night. We spent the next week at Texas Children’s Hospital undergoing multiple tests. On Friday July 24, 2020 Charlie was diagnosed with neuroblastoma (cancer of the nerve endings in the body). We were allowed to go home for the weekend and we returned on Tuesday July 28, 2020 for Charlie to have his port placement and begin chemotherapy.

 

Over the next 15 months, Charlie underwent 5 rounds of chemotherapy, had surgery to remove the tumor mass, completed 2 autologous bone marrow transplants, received 12 sessions of proton radiation, and completed 5 rounds of immunotherapy. On October 20th, Charlie had his final disease assessment and continues to be cancer free. His chemotherapy port has been removed which allowed him to return to nearly all normal childhood activities! Charlie will continue to be monitored and will complete a full disease assessment which includes a MIBG scan, bone marrow biopsy, and MRI every three months and eventually graduate to every six months and then yearly. His next disease assessment is scheduled for January 2022.

 

Kaileigh Gonzales

Kaileigh Gonzales is a 15-year-old girl from The Woodlands, TX. She enjoys hanging out with her friends, after school activities/clubs, volleyball, and working as an Attendant at the local movie theater. On 12/29/21, Kaileigh was diagnosed with high grade malignant sarcoma. She is currently undergoing treatment at MD Anderson where she will complete 6 rounds of chemotherapy and possibly radiation. Due to the aggressive nature of the tumor, Kaileigh will have a mastectomy of the left breast once she completes chemo/radiation treatment.

 

After high school, Kaileigh would like to attend The University of Texas in Austin or University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. She plans to study psychology.

 

Maelynn Gerdsen

Maelynn was 7 years old when she was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer, Alverolar Rhabdomyosarcoma. It is an aggressive muscle cell cancer that starts in the muscle cells that attach to bones. Her diagnosis of stage 1, intermediate risk presented a tough 43 weeks of chemotherapy and 28 proton radiation treatments. She underwent 4 different biopsies and surgeries for genetic testing. She is set for end of treatment scans in mid-January.

 

“Mae” is currently 8 and thriving in the 3rd grade. She loves Minecraft and all things sisterly. Before her diagnosis you could find her rollerblading or playing with her friends. She is also very crafty and loves to bake. She is the type of kid to only take one piece of candy at Halloween, so that all the kids get to have theirs; always everyone else first.

 

Collins Ryann Ortmann

Collins Ryann Ortamann was recently diagnosed with Pineoblastome, a rare and aggressive brain cancer. Her chemotherapy starts in late February and will continue for at least six months. Collins has already undergone numerous surgeries and procedures, including major brain surgery that was completely successful in removing her tumor. Her fight to remain cancer-free starts now. She has shown what a tremendous fighter she is already. We serve an amazing God who has carried Collins, and her family, through the unimaginable. Please keep them all in your prayers over the next several months. Our hearts are full of confidence and faith.

 

De’Layna Giles

De’Layna is a 14 y/o twin. She has a twin sister who she has a typical sister-sister relationship. De’Layna is a really active girl who loves sports. She participates in basketball, Track where her favorite events are Shot Put & Discuss Throw. She’s also very active in band for the past 4 years where she plays the tenor saxophone. De’layna’s journey all started with a swollen lymph node under her arm in April off 2021. Her Dr was seen in normal medication was given to reduce the swelling. Yet, later that year in December they came back in multiple spots, plus having dizzy and passing out spells.

 

After being taken for another X-ray and more blood work her Dr told me to rush her to the local hospital for a blood transfusion. The Er Dr contacted Driscoll Children’s Oncology Depart. They decided it be best to rush her by ambulance so further testing could be performed. On Dec 27,2021 a biopsy was performed on a lymph node removed from her neck. A few days later she was diagnosed w/ Classic Hodgkin lymphoma cancer. She has been a soldier with her diagnosis as well as her treatments this far. She has a long journey to go but with the Lord’s blessings she will get through this. Thank you for considering De’Layna as a part of your fundraiser this year! It’s really a blessing to even be considered!!

Jocelyn Lopez

Jocelyn is 6 years old, has 3 older brothers & daughter of Jocivus & Raquel Lopez. She was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) on September 3rd 2019. Her leukemia was progressing fast so treatment was started right away. She had a very long & difficult start. She had to be put on a ventilator 3 times during her 6 weeks in the Pediatric ICU. She finally improved enough to be moved to the children’s oncology floor where she stayed off & on for the next 6 months of treatment. During that time she had to have her port replaced due to continuous infections. She started her maintenance phase in late May, during that time she’s had a few infections that has put her in the hospital for a few weeks each time. Due to her compromised immune system the family has been in isolation for quite some time now.

 

Her parents are very grateful & blessed to have an amazing community come together to show their support for her. She is truly a blessing & a fighter. They still have a long road ahead but with God’s strength they can get through it together.

 

PJ Leija

September has always been a month we celebrate and look forward to as a family.   Life changed for us last year when our four year old son, Pete Joseph, was diagnosed with Pre-B cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on September 23, 2019.  Events such as birthdays and wedding anniversaries all seem so trivial compared to your little boy fighting for his life. The thought of him suffering from something as severe as Cancer never once crossed my mind. PJ has always been a healthy ball of energy. It started with him telling us that his bones were achy and broken. 

 

As parents of a young growing boy, we assumed the joint pain he was complaining about were just common growing pains.  Then all of the sudden our little ball of energy was tired. Always tired.  Strange symptoms began to surface such like bruising and then nosebleeds.  I knew something was seriously wrong when PJ woke up in the middle of the night crying that it hurt to breathe.  We rushed him to an urgent care facility.  They X-rayed his lungs and examined him but couldn’t give us any answers. We followed up with his pediatrician who advised us to take PJ to the ER for more testing. 

 

The concerned look on our doctor’s face should have told us everything, but I continued to hope that PJ had a simple infection that antibiotics and rest could cure. The Nurses and techs at St. Joe’s ran all sorts of tests.  Within a few hours the doctor told us PJ needed to be transported to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston.  He gave us no answers and no diagnosis.  When they loaded up my baby in the ambulance, I knew something big was happening in our lives.  I needed to hold myself together and stay strong for PJ.  I prayed and ask God for strength to lead me and my family.   I could not believe that my little sunshine was being transported by ambulance a couple hours away. 

 

A few hours and lots of testing later, a dozen doctors crammed into our room to deliver the news that no mother ever wants to hear: “Your son has Leukemia.”Since that day it’s been a whirlwind for our family.  PJ’s Hematology team immediately scheduled chemo therapy blood transfusions. Once his port was in place the reality set in.   We had no choice but to accept the battle ahead of us.  This September, we have a new reason to celebrate.  PJ is in remission.  Our prayers are being answered every day- even with all the obstacles and treatments ahead of him.  Our sweet loving son remains positive and energetic.  We believe PJ will overcome this battle and claim victory in the name of our steadfast Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  As PJ says, “Jesus is always by my side, Mommy!”

 

Zoey Crebwekge

On November 8, 2019, Zoey had her normal four-month check-up. During the visit, her doctor noticed that her liver seemed large and ordered that she have an ultrasound exam. Five days later on November 13th, the ultrasound confirmed the doctor’s suspicions; her liver was indeed large due to a tumor. Zoey was immediately sent to Methodist Children’s Hospital in San Antonio where they started running a bunch of different tests. Zoey was diagnosed with Stage 4, High Risk Neuroblastoma with a MYCN gene amplification.

 

Neuroblastoma is a cancer that develops from immature nerve cells that normally shows up on the adrenal glands. Zoey’s left adrenal gland and her liver were full of tumors. Zoey had less that 5% of the cancer spread into her bones. Zoey started treatment on December 2, 2019. She has completed 6 rounds of chemotherapy and two Stem Cell Rescues since then. For each stem cell rescue, Zoey received very high doses of chemotherapy, and then was given back her own stem cells to help her body recover. She spent roughly a month in the hospital for both of those. She was discharged on July 29, 2020 after finishing the second rescue.

 

Zoey will begin radiation at the end of August or beginning of September. After radiation, she will move onto the Maintenance Phase of treatment where she will receive 5 rounds of Immunotherapy.

Jordan Cutshaver

On September 1, 2019, Jordan spiked a very high fever. Over the next few days, she became uncharacteristically lethargic, gradually refusing to eat or drink. Unable to keep her fever under control, and hoping it would be the flu or a viral infection, she was taken to her pediatrician, where she underwent lab work for a fever of unknown origin. A phone call revealed Jordan's lab work was very abnormal and she was rushed by ambulance to Texas Children's Hospital. After additional testing, it was revealed that this sweet baby had leukemia, specifically Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The diagnosis was made September 9, 2019. Jordan is always brimming with personality, possesses an infectious smile, and has never met a stranger. She loves  playing with her sisters, her puppies, cat, books, balls, and playing outside on her swing, slide, and trampoline.

Aisley Putz

Aisley was a happy, healthy five year old kindergarten student when she was diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on November 23, 2018. Aisley had been complaining of pain in her left leg on and off for about a month. The pain seemed to be worsening over the Thanksgiving Holiday, so she was taken to the emergency room just to rule out anything serious. Blood tests done that day revealed the devastating diagnosis. Blood cancers like leukemia have a very good long term survival rate, but they are unique in their very long and very intense treatment plan.

 

Aisley recently completed her first 12 months of a 2.5 year chemotherapy treatment plan to permanently rid her body of cancer. The chemotherapy is working to keep the leukemia at bay, but it causes many difficult temporary and long term side effects. Despite every obstacle, AIsleys takes it all in stride. She loves all things unicorn and Barbie, and cannot wait until she can return to school to be with her friends.

 

Aisley Update: Aisley is officially 1 year in to this cancer journey, now in the maintenance phase. This phase includes daily oral chemo, monthly clinc trips for counts, IV chemo every three months with lumbar puncture chemo. She has had her share of ups and downs, but we are happy to report her walking is recovering, she is now without braces or walker, she is doing well in school, and hair is coming back thick and beautiful.

Kaitlin Jankovsky

In August 2014, at the age of 13, Kaitlyn was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Prior to that summer, she was an athletic teen who played competitive volleyball and ran track. Her 2+ year treatment regimen required that she endure daily chemotherapy, causing her to miss her entire 8th grade school year and sidelining her from the sports she loved.

From the start, Kaitlyn dove into her role as childhood cancer advocate. She hosted blood drives, supported her area’s local efforts with St. Baldrick’s and helped create a childhood cancer awareness license plate for the state of Texas. She has been recognized twice on the floor of the House and Senate in Texas for her efforts and in 2015 her congressman shared Kaitlyn’s story on the floor of the House in Washington, DC.

Her treatment finally ended in November 2016, but was immediately followed with surgery. The long-term steroid usage required to treat the cancer caused permanent damage to her hip. A full hip replacement has helped her resume life, but sadly limited her activities and she hasn’t been able to return to the volleyball court or track. Throughout treatment, Kaitlyn excelled in school and maintained her GPA. She is now a member of the National Honor Society. (Note: funds raised from the 2018 tournament were donated to St. Baldrick's in Kaitlyn's name.)

Kaitlyn Update: Katiyln started her freshman year of college with the Fall 2019 semester, and continues to be a childhood cancer advocate.

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