Lexy was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her right arm in October 2019, just three weeks after turning 11. The very next day, she had a biopsy and a port was placed before starting chemotherapy two weeks later. In February 2020, Lexy underwent surgery to remove her humerus bone, which was replaced with a donor bone and metal plate. To-date, she has had more than 30 chemotherapy treatments, and she will still need one small spot removed from her lung.
Having a child diagnosed with cancer is life changing; it is never easy, but a diagnosis in the midst of COVID-19 is even more difficult. Lexy and her family have been blessed by friends, family, and a church congregation that have been there to support and uplift them when the unexpected happens.
Lexy has experienced many extra hospital stays and treatment delays due to neutropenia (low white blood cells) and subsequent fevers. Through it all, she has maintained a great attitude—wanting to help other children and bring joy to those around her. Lexy makes posters and cards for other children in the hospital, and she even donated all her Christmas gifts from school to other young patients who were unable to be home on Christmas. When a fellow cancer fighter lost her battle, Lexy asked the nurses and hospital staff to write down their favorite memories of her friend. She is a determined example of grace and love, even in sorrow. Lexy is an overcomer who has shocked her doctors and occupational/physical therapists with her drive to succeed—already achieving a level of mobility that was thought to be near impossible.
Lexy is also a performer who danced competitively and participated in theater and chorus before being diagnosed with cancer. She is a social butterfly who loves school, so being quarantined during cancer treatment and COVID has been quite hard on her. She misses being on multiple teams and clubs, but she makes sure to send good luck messages to her teammates before every competition. Lexy has missed out on a lot this year—her final year of elementary school. She is looking forward to beating cancer and moving on to the excitement of middle school!
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.
