Sophie was 2 years old when her parents noticed something wasn’t right. Over the summer of 2016, naps were removed from their lives as they weren’t productive. Her sleeping habits became irregular as she was sleeping way more than a 3 year should. She was tired and lethargic, all the time. In July, she slept for two weeks straight. Sophie’s mom wasn’t taking no for an answer and scheduled an appointment in August where they checked for mono, diabetes, thyroid, amemia and also did a neurological exam. It was assessed that her tonsils were larger than needed and that that can cause a sleep disorder. We waived off the MRI at this time to explore an adenoid and tonsilectomy. On Sept 11, they entered the ER for dehydration and they hooked up an IV and sent us home. The following Friday, Sophie started complaining of a headache and everything went downhill from there. Her symptoms included: headache, vomiting, muscle weakness, lack of balance, incontinence, posturing of the hands and arms, sleepiness, irritability, and many more. They went to the ER again for a severe headache. They said an MRI was inappropriate. Sophie was given fluids and sent home. Finally, her mom got to tell her doctor all of these symptoms and he determined immediately that she was in need of an emergency MRI. Sophie entered the MRI machine on October 12 and they received the tragic news that Sophie had brain cancer.

Every child 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.