Shariah is a very outgoing, fun, loving girl. She loves to read and do outdoor sports.
Shariah is now 15 years old, and 3 years cancer-free. At the age of 11, just one month before her 12th birthday we learned she had a mass attached to her liver. This mass was found to be stage 4 cancer called Undifferentiated Embryonal Sarcoma of the Liver. She had surgery to remove the mass and then had chemo and radiation for 6 months. She would have one week of chemo in the hospital every 3 weeks, and then a month of daily radiation. Treatment was super tough with vomiting, hair loss, and fatigue.
Before she was diagnosed, Shariah did have sporadic episodes that would lead us to visit urgent care or her doctor. We were told the cause ranged from her diet, her menstrual cycle, her appendix, and finally, gas in her stomach. At one point her stomach was so puffed out that she looked 2-3 months pregnant.
Shariah is the ambassador for “The Valerie Fund”. She has told her story in front of 5000+ people. She is an active fundraiser for childhood cancer and has spoken at multiple events.
Hope Session by Elaine Janet Photography