Piper is the sweetest and most resilient child we know. She loves princesses (she was rapunzel for Halloween), she loves horses, Halloween, baking, and watching the Ravens play football every Sunday.
In March 2022 Piper was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called Ewings Sarcoma. She had a 7-inch tumor removed from her right femur in August and the prognosis is very positive.
It was very rare that Piper (who was 3 at the time) wasn’t experiencing any pain before her diagnosis. While playing one day, we felt that her leg was very stiff. After taking her to the doctor for x-rays she was diagnosed and started chemo 2 weeks later. She had 70% of her femur/tumor removed and a bone graft was completed. After 15 weeks in a cast, she has begun walking while in a brace now. She is getting stronger each day.
Piper has completed 14 rounds of intensive chemo. She has lost all her hair, but we have just completed treatment and look forward to her beautiful curly hair growing back. Piper was diagnosed when I was 9 months pregnant. Her sister was born after her first round of chemo. My husband had to leave shortly after I gave birth because Piper had a neutropenic fever that placed her in the hospital. It was a difficult time navigating a cancer child’s treatments and a newborn but our family is strong.
Our family dyanmic has of course changed due to the situation we faced, but we became very knowledgeable on the topic of cancer. We also volunteer and speak with other families who need support and have questions about the process.
You would think 5 different kinds of chemo drugs, steroids, reconstructing 70% of the femur, the inability to walk for 15 weeks, bi-weekly shots, yucky tasting antibiotics, nausea, hair loss, and countless sleepless nights would make anyone cranky, but overall, Piper has shown incredible perseverance with a tremendously positive attitude. While other kids are confined to their rooms, Piper is out walking the halls saying “hi” to all the doctors and nurses. When other kids are too tired to leave their beds, Piper is in the art room painting or playing with dolls in the playroom. She’s only 4, but so strong.
Hope Session by Colleen Hillard Photography
That smile is pipers trademark. She truly has been a poster child for childhood cancer and not letting it defeat her or define her. What an amazing child, and not just because I’m her Nini.