Our Current Cuties

OUR CURRENT CUTIES

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Name: Abby Grace Neeham 7 Years Old Diagnosis: Stage IV Pineoblastoma Brain Cancer Story: Abigail Grace Needham was born full term with a clean bill of health on March 25, 2008 Abby has grown up quickly and learned language, shapes, colors, and numbers ahead of expectations. She has seemed to always pickup on some wonderful mannerisms, claiming her fame to a wonderful sense of humor. In the early morning hours of July 7, 2011, the family entered Children's Hospital Central California for a scheduled MRI of her head because flu like symptoms she was having were not going away. The family thought the doctors were going to identify an inner ear infection. Instead, they received the worse news possible, Abby Grace is diagnosed with a Stage IV Pineoblastoma-a very rare form of brain cancer. As feared, it has since metastasized to many other areas throughout her head and all the way down her spine. Her prognosis is uncertain, but aggressive treatment is necessary. Abby began a six-stage treatment of chemotherapy at Children’s Hospital Central California which will continue at UCSF Children’s Hospital in San Francisco. She will also be going through 3 separate stem cell transplants because her brain is too young to handle full body radiation treatments. Her current protocol is scheduled to finish in a few months to determine if her tumors are shrinking. The Needham’s believe that Abby’s fight against cancer is not only a private matter, but also an educational one for the public. Since her cancer is so rare, they are happy to share their story so that more people can become aware of this disease and be part of a cause that works daily for a cure, so all children and all humans will never have to fight cancer again. THINGS SHE LIKES: Yellow, Pink, Music, Books, Pigs, Being a Princess, Ariel, Tangled WISH LIST: 5T long sleeve shirts, PJs & sweaters, Glitter, Paint & Paper, Dress Up Items , Toys

Name: Allison Nielson 3 Years Old Diagnosis: Stage IV High Risk Neuroblastoma Story: On March 19, 2011, our lives changed forever. It was any other day, we were preparing lunch, and Allison came up to me and said "Mommy, my throat hurts" I felt her neck, and found a golfball-sized lymph node. I knew right away something was wrong. I took Allison to the doctor's office who recommended she have a biopsy of the area. The biopsy seemed to go well, they removed four lymphnodes, and believe that they would serve their purpose not only for Allison, but for others as well. It was soon after that our precious little girl was diagnosed with Stage IV high-risk Neuroblastoma, undifferentiated with unfavorable histology on March 24, 2011. It has spread into her lymphnodes as well as her bone marrow. She had Surgery late March to install a luman catheter in her chest enabling the team to inject medicine as well as transplant cells when she is ready, and Chemotherapy started only a few days later. Our sweet baby is in for a hard battle and needs all of our support. They tell us that if her body will accept this new drug and re-accept her removed bone marrow, her survival rate is 65%. Allison began her first phase of treatment, which involved undergoing two five day rounds of chemo and then having stem cells removed from her bone marrow for freezing to then re-harvest them for re-entry at a later date. It is possible that these stem cells will not be suitable for re-entry in which case they will harvest again after the third round of chemo. Since then, Allison has had antibody treatments proven to be a fighter, even though they are struggling trying to maintain all of her count levels where they need to be to keep moving forward with treatment. Most recently, Allison was given the gift to go HOME on Christmas Eve!! It was 5:30pm, but that was good enough for us! We had a wonderful Christmas!! As far as Allison's health, things are still rebounding well from Round 1 of Antibody therapy! Honestly, the longest battle was getting her to feel better from the c-diff! And managing her mood, And in the beginning of January, she had surgery to remove her ports due to a severe gram negative Bacteria strain and is having new ones placed. Of course all of this medicine, surgery and treatment does not factor in our faith and Allison's strength, of which she is proving to have a great deal of. I ask each of you to pray for this beautiful young family. Allison's brother Nicholas has been so supportive of Allison's Battle, thank you so much! THINGS SHE LIKES: colors yellow, pink and green, yo gabba gabba (the pink character), spongebob! Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/​pages/Sweet-Allison-vs-Neuroblastoma/​192853114108038 CarePage: http://www.carepages.com/​carepages/Sweetallison

Name: Donavynn Cronk 8 Years Old Diagnosis: Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) Story: On 2/25/06 the Cronk family was suddenly caught in a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty-when Donavynn was only 21 months old, he was diagnosed w/ ALL (Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia). Then two years later in September 2008, only a mere 9 months away from completing all of his cancer-fighting treatment, he had an isolated CNS relapse, which demanded a new, more agressive treatment method. This new treatment he after his relapse included cranial radiation and high dose chemotherapy. He finished this treatment on November 8, 2010. We thought all was well, and the battle was won, but plans changed again when we learned, after a week of persistent headaches, that Donavynn's leukemia had returned, but was in his spinal fluid. This started us on yet another new journey we had hoped to avoid... he now needed a bone marrow transplant as that was his best hope for a cure because radiation and chemotherapy alone did not kill all the cancer cells. They began another major round of treatments and Donavynn was discharged from the Cancer Center Monday August 8 2011-up to this point NOTHING felt better than walking through those doors holding my little boys hand, unfortunately, we didn't make it even 5 days in our local Ronald McDonald house that he had to be readmitted, it was concluded after a few fights with doctors that his condition was poor enough to scope his lower GI tract which found adenovirus and some mild Grade 1 GVHD (Graft Vs. Host Disease. Essentially it is when the new immune system gets confused and attacks his body - common sites for this are the skin, gut and liver. It can be triggered by a viral infection because as the immune system attacks the virus it can get confused and attack him as well. Fortunately, grade 1 is the lowest grade which was very good, it is usually very easily treated) Donavynn ended up having a Nasalgastic feeding tube in place so he could actually eat and rest, instead of feeling sick and eliminated several times each hour. A few months later he had his bone marrow transplant, 100% donor grade! Again, everyone though the worst was over and recovery could begin, but his body experienced extreme distress from the transplant, and Donavynn had to spend over 5+ weeks in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit- 4 of these past weeks were spent on a powerful ventilator, in a drug-educed coma that left him paralyzed. In addition, he also fell ill to a powerful respiratory virus- that would give a healthy person croup, but for him, a child fighting cancer and now a bone marrow transplant, caused complete respiratory failure! More specifically, Donavynn was on a ventilator for a total of just over 4 weeks. Over 3 of those weeks were spent on an oscillator because his lungs were so damaged from the virus that a conventional ventilator was too harsh on his already damaged lungs. Being on the oscillator means that he had to be completely paralyzed so that he wouldn't breathe over the vent. He also had to be extremely sedated so that he wouldn't wake up too much and/or remember this very difficult time. Unfortunately, this means he is now addicted the narcotics, and taking methadone and ativan to detox The oscillator ventilates with quick pulses so the lungs don't inflate and deflate like with normal respiration, they are kept constantly inflated. It is a very uncomfortable way to be ventilated which was why they were so amazed at how well Donavynn handled it when they did let him wake up He now has a long road to recovery learning to walk again etc but through the amazing power of prayer and the through the knowledge of the amazing health care team at Children's Mercy he is healing and getting stronger every day! THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE HELPED US! Whether you said a prayer or donated time or money to help us we couldn't have done this with out all of you. THINGS HE LIKES: Disney’s Cars, the Wii, Marvel Super Heroes (spiderman, batman, ironman) Frogs HAS 1 YOUNGER SISTER!

Name: Emma Routh 6 Years Old Diagnosis: Fanconi Anemia Story: Little Emma was diagnosed with Fanconi anemia when she was 3 years old. Fanconi anemia is a rare bone marrow disease that leads to many cancers and life threatening health problems, most frequently AML leukemia and bone marrow failure. So far Emma has stayed cancer free, but this warrior has been through so much. She has had countless rounds of chemotherapy, bone marrow aspirations, and very long hospital stays. I find myself on more than one occasion, trying to hold back tears as she goes through more than I could ever imagine. And every time, I expect her to cry. She gives out a little whimper, but is so much stronger than I ever could be. And somehow, keeps getting stronger. Shots, medications, restrictions, life confined to an isolated room in a hospital, has become our new normal. Yet she takes it with such grace, such ability, with no doubt in her mind, that she will not only live, but prosper. Her medical term vocabulary is far beyond most collage students. ANC, platelets, IV, catheters, Hickman line, chemotherapy and many more words like these are part of her everyday life. In October of 2010 she had a bone marrow transplant at Children’s hospital Boston, which saved her life. And her fight still isn’t over. Fanconi anemia doesn’t have a cure yet and is very low on funds for research. She is now 6 years old and making amazing strides every day. She just got back from a wonderful make a wish trip to Disney and is not letting this horrible monster get in her way of just being a kid. She has taught me to live everyday to the fullest, celebrate the small things, and cherish every moment. When something like this happens, it is almost like an entirely different surreal world. A new normal. Everything that once mattered, just doesn't seem so big anymore. Overall, Emma is the quintessence of a hero, and the epitome of bravery. Emma is a Fanconi Anemia warrior, and every day I pray that one day she will become a Fanconi anemia survivor. Please follow our journey at: http://www.facebook.com/​prayersforemma THINGS SHE LIKES: hello kitty, believes she's the one who's GOING to marry Justin Bieber (back off girls!), and is a total girly girl. PINK! PURPLE!

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Justin Diagnosis: Hypodiploidy Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia He was diagnosed on July 22nd, 2011. He is a PVHS Senior and a baseball player. His mom was a teacher at Ladera but had to take the year off to be with Justin while he receives treatment in Houston, TX. His dad is a police officer with the City of Farmington. Justin recently received a bone marrow transplant and has struggled with infections, low blood pressure and absolutely miserable nausea and vomiting. This is still a grueling process and ALL of your prayers are so appreciated! LOVES LOVES LOOOOVES BASEBALL!! hehe can ya tell? Follow on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/​pages/Prayers-for-Justin/​228001227239480?sk=info

"Super Nick Power!" DeFelice Diagnosis: Neuroblastoma Nick is a warrior who is fighting Neuroblastoma. He was diagnosed at the age of 3 LOOOVES HOCKEY AND BASEBALL! Follow: https://www.facebook.com/​groups/119100344786860/

Starla Chapman Diagnosis: Acute Myeloid Leukemia Story: On Sept. 13 2011, our family was shaken with the devastating news that our then 2 year old daughter Starla had been diagnosed with a rare leukemia in children known as Acute Myeloid Leukemia. We immediately began Induction I of chemotherapy on September 14th. Starla went into remission during Induction I of chemotherapy, and began another round of chemo on October 27, 2011. On December 27, 2011 Starla was placed in PICU to have medication because the chemo had caused damage to her heart. On January 3, 2012 Starla went into cardiac arrest after a seizure, She coded, and after 5 min. of chest compressions she was stable... her heart function had dropped to a DEADLY 6%. After being placed on ALL of the support medication available at the maximum limit, she was placed in a medically induced coma and on life support. we were told that Starla would not make it...there was nothing more medically that could be done, people just dont make it after such a low heart failure. Starla's situation began to change daily.....in fact....Starla made HUGE progress, shocking doctors and nurses!!! She was weaned from support meds, and extubated on January 22, 2012, the same night that a candlelight prayer was held at a park near the hospital. Several members of the community gathered...we continue to praise God for our miracle. On February 8, 2012 Starla was moved from the PICU and started round 4 of chemotherapy on February 9th!!! Since Chemo, Starla and her family have also been advocating Alex's Lemonade Stand, working hard to raise money to support other children who have been fighting as HARD as she has!! INCREDIBLE INCREDIBLE FAITH AND SUPPORT HAVE BROUGHT ON THIS AMAZING FIGHT AND WILL TO SURVIVE!! PLEASE HELP ME CELEBRATE THIS MIRACLE!!! You can follow Starla's Journey here: https://www.facebook.com/​pages/​Team-Starla-Support-Page/​246363622077436

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Baby Ryker- 3 Months Old Diagnosis: Heterotaxy Right Atrial Isomerism with asplenia and ventricular discordance (Severe heart Deffect) Story: Ryker was born March 7th 2012 with a very rare birth defect that affects his heart and other organs. His heart condition is so complex that he will need multiple surgeries. Ryker is currently at CHB (Children’s Hospital Boston) and being treated by the most amazing team lead by who many consider the world’s best pediatric cardiac surgeon Dr. Pedro del Nido and cardiologist Dr. Marx. At just two weeks old Ryker has endured 3 heart surgeries ( ) and is currently recovering well. As many people know especially those with children who have a similar diagnosis there are many ups and downs. Ryker and his family will need as much support, positive energy and prayers as possible. Siblings: FOUR SIBLINGS! Trett-BOY Jadd-BOY BrayLEE-GIRL Addi-GIRL

Baby Ella Wirth 3 months old Diagnosis: Neuroblastoma Story: On December 6th 2011, Ella was diagnosed with Neurblastoma, a very aggressive form of cancer that develops from nerve tissue. Currently she has a tumor on her spine the size of a tennis ball that is making it very difficult and very painful for her to move. It is pushing on her lungs and trachea, making it impossible, at this time, to breathe without a ventilator. Ella recently had Surgery to 1) to put in a central line for the chemo 2) to do a biopsy to see what stage the cancer is in 3) to test her bone marrow. However, once they were in, he was not able to get a central line in. The tumor was so large that the veins are all flat instead of round. He was able to get a temporary line into the groin so that they can still give baby Ella chemo. At this point they had to make the decision of whether they should do the chemo without confirmation of what stage the cancer is in; because she had lost too much blood and needed a transfusion. He was afraid that the tumor might bleed and she had already lost too much blood. So they of course gave Ella a transfusion and decided to go ahead and do the chemo to try to get the tumor to start shrinking. She will have to stay on a breathing tube for now because of the damage the tumor has done to the trachea and lungs. The doctor said she is "belly breathing", breathing from the belly instead of the lungs. She is handling chemo like a champ. They started feeding her by NG tube through her nose and so far she is keeping it down. She is very puffy and swollen from all the fluids pumped into her body. Her little body is going through so much in so little time, but she's a champ! I've got more encouraging news and updates! First of all, Ella can now roll over! This is huge. Before, she could only get her upper body turned, but her lower body would just lay still. She can roll both ways, from tummy to back and from back to tummy! On the 28th of February, Ella saw the Dr. and got an x-ray. The x-ray was to determine the course of sedation for her upcoming scans. They've been very concerned about her airway, so they've had to put a breathing tube in in the past to make sure when she was sedated she wouldn't stop breathing. However, the sedation team determined she would only need general anesthesia for her scans!! No breathing tube!! Not only will this be not as hard on her body, but this means the tumor is shrinking and they're not as concerned about her airway! YES! After all of these surgeries and struggles, it was concluded TODAY that the tumor has shrunk tremendously!! It is a fifth of the size that it was in some areas, and half the size that it was in others. Her bone marrow is clean! However, there is still a piece too big in her spinal cord. It's not that they can't remove it, or that the surgery would be life threatening. But they would have to remove too much of her spine that she would have growth problems the rest of her life. So she needs 4 more chemo treatments before they'll do surgery to correct this issue. We're at the hospital now getting her first chemo treatment for this new issue. WHAT A CUTIE PATOOTIE!! LETS SEND THEM HER A BEAUTIFUL BASKET OF GREAT BABY TOYS AND COMFORT ITEMS! You can follow Ella's Story Here: https://www.facebook.com/​pages/​Praying-For-Ella-Wirth/​305742592789674?sk=wall

Jake the Leukemia Slayer! Jacob was diagnosed with high risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) on December 2, 2010 and will be in treatment until the spring of 2014. As of right now, his treatment can't be given as 100% chemo yet because my liver numbers are high so dr a says to stay taking my 75% for another week and then check labs again to see what to do guess i need to come up with a low liver numbers dance this week haha i take my once a week methotrexate that kind of makes me feel yucky so mom gives me zofran for a couple of days to help me feel better Amidst having cancer, Jacob has been working hard bringing gifts to children with cancer, continually raise money for cancer research, and advocate other warriors like me everyday! Things he likes: games and animals, and playing with his brother Jordon You can follow updates here: https://www.facebook.com/​TheLeukemiaSlayer?sk=wall

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Drue Storm Diagnosis: Leukemia More to come...

Molly Adair 3 Years Old Diagnosis: Stage 4 Neuroblastoma Story: Molly has had breathing issues since September of 2010. She started on medication to help with this, and had tubes put in her ears to help with this. She continued to have difficulties. In January of 2011, Molly got very sick. The dr. ordered a chest xray. She was diagnosed with pnemonia. She was given antiobiotics and asked to come back in four weeks to do a follow up chest xray. We were delayed about 2 weeks in the chest xray due to all the crazy oklahoma blizzards. When we went back the pnemonia had cleared up but the dr. was still concerned about one spot. The radiologist reviewed the results and believed it could be a bronchial cyst. They ordered a ct scan. Molly had the CT scan on Feb 21st. We didn't get the results until almost two days later, at her pediatricians office. It wasn't a cyst...but a large mass. They believed it to either be Neuroblastoma or Lymphoma. We were referred to Children's Hospital in Oklahoma City to an oncologist. We met with the oncologist the next day. She believed it to possibly be one of three things, ganglioneuroma, ganglioneuroblastoma or neuroblastoma. Biopsy scheduled for the next day. The biopsy went well. Very hard to see little molly hurting,but she was truly one tough little cookie. Molly stayed in the hospital for two and half days. She went home and late the next day, Mom and Dad got the results..... Neuroblastoma... .malignant... cancer. Our world truly dropped. She has been diagnosed with stage 4 because a small percentage was found in her bone marrow. She will need to have lots of tests done before treatment can begin. Next day...Bone Marrow Testing and the Tests have begun. Waiting, Waiting and lots of Treatment to come. We truly are blessed to have so much family support all over the country. We know that God will take care of our sweet baby girl. We hold onto that faith everyday and believe!!! We also know that her two older brothers...Matthew who is 8 and Jack who is 5 pray for her everyday to get better as well. We also pray for them during this time. You call Follow Molly's story here: http://​www.caringbridge.org/visit/​mollyadair/mystory