Lillian was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia early May 2018, mere weeks after celebrating her first birthday. For the next eight months, Lillian underwent four rounds of chemotherapy. During the third round, Lillian’s heart stopped and she was rushed to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. She was in the PICU for four days before her high fever finally broke. Lilly continued to fight cancer and, that October, she was released from the hospital in full remission. Her family was so happy to have their little girl home, and Lilly was happy to play with her brothers again. Sadly, this happiness was short-lived.

Ten months later, Lilly woke up with a fever of 101 degrees and was rushed to the hospital. There, she was diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection, given medicine and sent home. That night, Lilly’s condition worsened and her fever increased to the point that she lost consciousness. Lilly’s mother held her during the ambulance ride to the hospital, knowing deep down what was happening. Upon arrival, the oncologist ran blood work and delivered the devastating news that Lilly’s cancer had returned. Lilly’s mother said she will never forget hearing those words for as long as she lives.

It was recommended that Lilly travel to Children’s Hospital Of Atlanta, over four hours from home, for her second battle with cancer. She went through two more rounds of chemotherapy and received a bone marrow transplant on December 23. Lilly continues to fight through complications from her treatment, including Graft Versus Host Disease. She has been separated from her brothers for several months, and her parents alternate weeks in the hospital, driving more than four hours each way. Lilly recently turned three years old but her birthday party had to be postponed because she was once again in the PICU, fighting for her life.

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.