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.
Briggs was diagnosed with cancer shortly after his first birthday. In April he turned one, and just two months later his family received the life-changing news that he had a very large brain tumor.
Briggs had always been under close observation by his pediatrician due to his head measuring slightly larger than average. Other than that, he had no symptoms. During what was supposed to be a routine head ultrasound, doctors discovered the tumor. He was rushed into surgery the very next day. Since that time, Briggs has undergone two brain surgeries and is currently on medication to help prevent the tumor from growing back.
His journey has involved many medical procedures, including multiple surgeries and countless MRIs and lab draws. He visits the doctor every other month for labs and checkups and receives MRIs every four months. He has been taking oral medication twice a day for nearly two years. This November, his medical team will begin weaning him off to see how his body responds.
The impact on his family has been significant. The many appointments and follow-ups have required time away from work, resulting in financial strain and added stress. Briggs’ diagnosis has shifted the family’s focus entirely to his care and wellbeing, often leaving little time for anything else.
Through it all, Briggs remains a joyful and spirited little boy. He is sweet, busy, and full of life. He loves Paw Patrol, cars, and playing outside. He adores spending time with Grandma and Papa’s puppy and is a free spirit with a little boss energy. He’s a mama’s boy at heart, but he loves his dad too.
Briggs’ strength and playful personality shine even through the hardest days. His journey is one of hope, courage, and the fierce love of a family determined to see him thrive.
Gustavo was diagnosed with cancer on February 10, 2025. His journey began when he was rushed to the emergency room after experiencing severe headaches and vomiting. What started as a search for answers led to a life-altering diagnosis that has deeply impacted his entire family.
Since his diagnosis, Gustavo has undergone both chemotherapy and radiation. As a result of his treatments, he has experienced significant weakness on his left side and now uses a wheelchair. Caring for him has become a full-time responsibility, and his parent had to leave their job to be by his side. The financial and emotional strain has been difficult, and the challenges have been made even harder by Gustavo’s struggles with depression as he processes everything he’s been through.
Despite the obstacles, Gustavo continues to find moments of joy. He loves watching SpongeBob and spending time playing board games with his family. Those simple moments of laughter and connection are a bright spot during a difficult time.
Gustavo’s journey is one of resilience. His story is a reminder of the strength it takes to keep going, even when life looks very different than expected. He is deeply loved, and his family continues to surround him with encouragement and support as he bravely moves forward.
Jaela was diagnosed with thyroid cancer with lung metastasis on October 20, 2021. That morning started like any other, but everything changed when she woke up with a large lump on the right side of her neck. Her family immediately scheduled a doctor’s appointment, and the pediatrician initially thought it was a simple mass that would go away within a month. But as time passed and the lump remained, her parents knew something wasn’t right. They took her to a children’s hospital for further testing. When the results came in, they received the devastating news that Jaela, only six years old at the time, had cancer.
Since then, Jaela has been through so much. She underwent a seven-hour surgery to remove her thyroid and came home needing oxygen. Soon after, she caught RSV and had to be rushed back to the hospital. Her condition was critical, and doctors weren’t sure she would make it through the night. But Jaela proved them wrong. With immense strength and faith, she pulled through and has continued to fight with determination and courage.
Now nine years old, Jaela is still pushing forward with bravery and hope. She is an identical twin, and the bond she shares with her sister Dalia is unbreakable. Jaela loves the outdoors, animals, video games, going to the beach, watching YouTube, helping her mom cook, coloring, drawing, and making TikTok videos. Her favorite moments are often spent doing the things she loves, surrounded by the people who love her most.
Jaela’s cancer journey has forever changed her family’s life. Her mom has stopped working to care for her full-time, and her dad is doing his best to make ends meet. Despite the challenges, Jaela remains a sweet and caring girl who finds joy in helping others. Her spirit and resilience continue to inspire everyone around her.
She is a fighter, a sister, and a bright light in the world, and she’s not done shining.
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
