Brianna was in her first semester of college when she began experiencing leg pain. A trip to the ER and an ultrasound revealed no answers. The pain worsened and her leg became tender and warm to the touch, so Brianna was again taken to the doctor. A 20 cm blood clot was discovered and Brianna was prescribed blood thinners. About a month later, she developed an earache and once again went to the doctor, who performed routine bloodwork. The results were concerning so the doctor ordered a more extensive blood test, which showed low levels. Brianna was referred to a hematologist who did not suspect cancer but did order follow up tests within the next week.

Things quickly went downhill, with Brianna experiencing extreme dizziness. A CT scan revealed that she had suffered a stroke, and a new blood clot was found in her other leg. Brianne spent three days in the hospital undergoing multiple tests, including a bone marrow biopsy. Brianna and her mother were only home for a few hours when they received the call that her biopsy results indicated leukemia. The following day, Brianna was officially diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia. She then spent 27 days in the hospital receiving chemotherapy. Brianna and her mother have to travel 80 miles one way for her outpatient chemo treatments. She will require additional bone marrow biopsies and CT scans to examine another blood clot in her brain.

Prior to her diagnosis, Brianna loved going to college and working a part-time job. She had to withdraw from school and quit working while she focuses on her cancer treatment.

Every child who has been diagnosed with childhood cancer inspires us to Rally On to find better treatments with fewer long-term side effects and, ultimately, cures. Please join us in the fight against childhood cancer by making a donation or setting up your own Rally fundraiser today.