Weeks before her 3 month check-up scans, she spiked a fever and all of her numbers were through the roof. She was airlifted from Macon to Atlanta. On September 28, 2014, Karma Lilly’s cancer was back and more aggressive than before with the primary tumor again in her abdomen and more than 20 tumors in her lungs. She was now considered Stage IV Neuroblastoma and spent over 30 days in the ICU on ventilators and support machines. She even started chemotherapy while in the induced coma state.
After 3 cycles of chemotherapy, nothing changed. The next 3 cycles were high dose and still no change. Doctors took the risk to remove the primary tumor in her abdomen again. The surgery is when she lost her left kidney and a part of her large intestines as well.
After recovery from surgery, we entered the world of clinical trials; doctors discovered a drug targeted for a mutation found in her tumor during her genetic testing. We combined the mutation drug along with other chemotherapy drugs. For three cycles, the treatment was productive. Harsh, but productive. Then, the scans after the next 4 cycles proved to be ineffective once again . Karma Lilly moved onto MIBG radiation therapy. We spent a week in isolation and waited anxiously for the next round of scans.
After a courageous battle, Aliyah passed away on September 19, 2017. She will forever live in our hearts and be part of the Rally family. Karma Lilly loved all things Disney Princess.
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.
