Noah was diagnosed with leukemia during football camp at school. After getting hurt during practice, his family took him to the local emergency room. This visit felt different. Noah, typically tough and composed, would not stop crying from the pain. It was completely out of the ordinary for him.
In the 30 to 45 days leading up to his diagnosis, subtle signs began to appear. He started napping a lot, which was very unusual for him. He also lost his appetite and began complaining of leg pain. Thankfully, his cancer was caught very early.
Since his diagnosis, Noah has undergone chemotherapy treatments. He has had a particularly difficult road, developing allergic reactions to three different chemotherapy medications. One reaction was so severe that it landed him in the ICU. He also battled pancreatitis as a complication of treatment.
Despite these challenges, Noah’s diagnosis has brought his family even closer. They have always been tight-knit, but now they truly live in the moment. They enjoy each other’s company more deeply, taking each day as it comes. Game nights, family outings, and simply being together have become cherished parts of daily life.
Noah is a natural comedian. He loves to make people laugh and is truly great at it. He has a special love for animals, especially dogs. His vibrant personality and sense of humor bring joy to everyone around him.
Noah’s story is one of strength, early intervention, and the healing power of family and laughter.
Levi was diagnosed with cancer on April 5, 2022. After a long and challenging journey, he is set to complete treatment on August 29.
Leading up to his diagnosis, Levi had been sick for weeks. Despite repeated visits to the doctor, the answer was always the same: a virus. But as time went on, Levi began to struggle with breathing. He was rushed to the hospital, where over the course of two weeks, he had two chest tubes placed. It was during the second procedure that doctors discovered an orange-sized tumor in his lung.
Since then, Levi has endured intensive treatment. His first year involved frontline therapy with weekly visits to the hospital, sometimes multiple times a week. He is now in maintenance treatment, taking daily chemotherapy pills at home and going to the hospital once a month for IV and spinal chemotherapy.
Levi’s diagnosis has deeply impacted his whole family. His ten-year-old brother Wyatt has had to give up so much during this time. His little sister was just nine months old when Levi was diagnosed, and many of her early moments were shaped by hospital visits and emotional stress.
Even through the hardest days, Levi’s spirit has remained bright. He is the silliest kid his family knows, laid back and always ready to have fun. He is very athletic, loves being outside, and enjoys spending time with other kids.
These beach photos are meant to celebrate the end of a very long chapter. Levi’s family wants to freeze this moment in time, a reminder of how far they have come and the joy that still fills their days. Every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy and happy. Levi’s story is a powerful reminder of hope, courage, and the strength of one very special boy.
ily was diagnosed with leukemia on January 31, 2023, after a long and emotional road to answers. She had been sick frequently and was experiencing back pain, which led to a traumatic ER visit where doctors found a compression fracture in her spine. Unfortunately, her pediatrician misjudged the situation and filed a CPS report, but the claims were quickly proven unfounded. Thankfully, Lily’s family sought care at a new hospital, where she was finally diagnosed and able to begin treatment.
Her journey included more than a dozen spinal taps, countless port accesses, IV chemotherapy, and blood transfusions. Lily missed the remainder of her first grade year and was unable to participate in contact sports or attend many birthday parties because of her mediport. Despite all of this, her joyful spirit stayed strong.
Throughout everything, her family did their best to provide a sense of normalcy for Lily and her older sister, all while balancing full-time jobs and the weight of Lily’s diagnosis. As her mom shared, “this is hard for all of us, but in different ways.” On April 11, Lily completed her treatment, and on May 9, she rang the bell to mark the end of this chapter.
Lily is tough and full of life. She’s silly, joyful, and the kind of kid who truly lives out loud. She loves her dogs, dancing, riding her bike, creating art, making bracelets, and spending time with her best friend Lucy. She’s currently learning the piano and never turns down a chance to laugh or be a little wild.
A few extra meaningful details to look for in her photos. The flowers in the gold planter are vinca, the plant that vincristine (one of Lily’s chemo drugs) is made from. Her gold bracelet includes a tiny bell, symbolizing the one she rang when she completed treatment. Both are small but powerful reminders of how far she’s come.
Lily was named after her mom’s favorite flower, and just like the bloom, she is bold, radiant, and impossible to ignore. Her bravery and resilience are a reminder that even in the hardest seasons, there is light, love, and strength growing all around us.
Zoey was diagnosed with leukemia on November 24, 2022. At the time, she had just started preschool and was adjusting to her new routine when she developed a persistent fever. After nearly two months of doctor visits and testing, her family received the heartbreaking diagnosis.
Zoey has undergone chemotherapy both through a port and directly into her spinal cord. Treatment has required frequent trips to Minneapolis, each one a four-hour round trip. The long drives, combined with the demands of treatment, caused her to miss out on school and many typical preschool experiences. Despite it all, Zoey has remained resilient and full of life.
Her cancer diagnosis brought big changes for her family. The emotional and physical toll of treatment was felt by everyone, but Zoey’s bright personality has been a guiding light. She is always smiling, full of silliness, and known for making those around her laugh. She adores her siblings, an older sister and a younger brother, and is happiest when they are all together.
Zoey has a big imagination and a love for creativity. She enjoys telling and hearing jokes, and her favorite activity is crafting. Whether she is making something with her hands or making someone smile, Zoey puts her whole heart into everything she does.
She is a joyful, strong little girl who brings happiness wherever she goes.
Isabella was just five years old when she was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on March 29, 2021. In the weeks leading up to her diagnosis, she experienced flu-like symptoms, heel pain, general fatigue, and high fevers that kept returning. Multiple doctor visits and tests initially showed no abnormalities, but eventually her labs revealed neutropenia. She was admitted to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston, where her diagnosis was confirmed after further testing and a hospital stay.
From the beginning, Isabella showed incredible strength. Her treatment included over two years of chemotherapy, 44 nights in the hospital, 56 chemo infusions, 44 doses of steroids, 19 lumbar punctures, and even a bout of meningitis caused by chemotherapy toxicity. She underwent port placement surgery, bone marrow testing, and endured many difficult days, all while surrounded by her loving family and a compassionate medical team at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. The journey was made even more isolating by the COVID-19 pandemic, but Isabella’s resilience never wavered.
Through it all, Isabella’s family found themselves forever changed. While cancer brought immense fear, disruption, and pain, it also deepened their gratitude and connection. They leaned on their faith, their community, and each other. From their primary care physician’s quick action to the support of friends, neighbors, and even strangers, their hearts were lifted through prayer, care packages, and acts of kindness.
Now nine years old, Isabella is thriving. She is kind, brave, and wise beyond her years. She is known for making others feel welcome and valued. She loves karate, swimming, arts and crafts, the beach, movies, and her ever-growing collection of stuffed animals. Her Yorkie, Jewel, is her favorite cuddle buddy. Isabella also looks forward to Camp Sunshine every summer, where she gets to enjoy being a kid with other childhood cancer survivors. Her dream is to become a Child Life Specialist so she can support other kids who are going through treatment, just like she did.
In June 2023, Isabella finished treatment, had her port removed, and proudly rang the bell. She has been in remission ever since, with regular follow-up visits to monitor her health. On June 2, 2025, Isabella will officially begin a new chapter as a childhood cancer survivor.
Her story is a powerful reminder to cherish each day, to choose strength, and to never lose hope.
Her favorite quote captures her journey best: “When something bad happens, you have three choices. You can either let it define you, let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you.” – Dr. Seuss
Iris was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in October 2023. In the weeks leading up to her diagnosis, her parents noticed unexplained bruising on her back, frequent bloody noses, and persistent bone pain. When she developed a high fever that seemed more severe than a typical illness, they rushed her to the emergency room. She was transported by ambulance to the children’s hospital, where tests confirmed the diagnosis. Once chemotherapy began, it took several days before her fever finally broke.
Although Iris doesn’t have any lasting physical limitations now, she went through a long period of physical therapy to help with neuropathy and rebuild her strength. Her treatment journey has included spinal procedures, chemotherapy, bone marrow draws, and surgery to place her port.
The impact of cancer has touched every part of her family’s life. They became a single-income household to care for her full-time, and Iris has not been able to return to school during her treatment. There have been many hospital stays, and the emotional toll has been heavy for everyone.
Still, this journey has brought valuable perspective. Her family has learned not to take the good days for granted. They’ve met wonderful people, connected with supportive organizations, and found themselves part of a community they are now eager to give back to.
Iris describes herself as shy, but once she’s comfortable, her big personality shines. She is passionate about her favorite things, and her sisters are her very best friends. She loves playing video games and board games with them. She adores princesses, unicorns, rainbows, and dressing up. Iris dreams of becoming a baker, an artist, or a veterinarian. Her creativity and bright spirit make her a joy to know.
