One minute, Hattie was a normal, vibrant 10-month-old on vacation with her family. The next minute, she was being rushed to the closest pediatric hospital. A low-grade fever had led Hattie’s parents to take her to Urgent Care, which led to a trip to the ER, which led to them finding out Hattie’s red blood cell count was very low. After inconclusive blood work, the family returned home to Atlanta.

One week later, Hattie experienced another fever and was again taken to the hospital. This time, her white blood cell count was very low and a bone marrow biopsy was performed, confirming a diagnosis of B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Because of Hattie’s young age, she was categorized as high risk, and she spent five weeks in inpatient treatment. Hattie achieved remission after this induction round of chemotherapy, but she spent 12 more weeks living in the hospital for additional rounds of chemo—some harder than others—then five months going to weekly clinic visits. Through all of this, Hattie suffered from treatment side effects and two bouts of C. Diff.

Hattie, now almost two years old, has reached the maintenance phase of her cancer treatment. Her family is very thankful that this “bold and beautiful” little girl is thriving.

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.