Ella Rose Vidrine is a happy, active little girl who loves to play in her kitchen and host daily tea parties with her friends. On June 19, 2008, Ella was diagnosed with stage IV hepatoblastoma.  Hepatoblastoma is a rare pediatric liver cancer affecting approximately 100-150 US children each year. At diagnosis, Ella’s liver tumor was the size of a baseball and she had 50+ large lesions on her lungs. Ella was given a less than 20% chance of survival. Today, she’s beating the odds and her prognosis is improving as she moves towards becoming cancer free.

John Weylain McDonald, Jr.’s story is one of hope for the future.  In June 2005, John was diagnosed with leukemia.  Like so many other young cancer patients, he had big dreams of pursuing his career in the United States Marine Corp and had his entire life ahead of him.  After struggling with treatment for a year, he lost his fight with cancer, but not his spirit.  Despite the challenges of treatment, he never lost his love for life or his love for others. 

His approach to life - full speed ahead – is inspiration for all.  He reminds us to live each day to the fullest.  Exactly two years to the day from his passing, his niece Ella began her treatment and journey to overcome cancer.

Corey was a three-year old preschooler diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma. The tumor on his bladder, about the size of a grapefruit, was treated with chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Following successful treatment, Corey is enjoying hockey and school with a full head of hair. He will continue to be tested for cancer and side effects from his treatment until he is an adult. The cure rate for rhabdomyosarcoma, which affects about 350 children and young adults each year, is now up to 70%-80%, from 25% in 1972.

Maggie was diagnosed in April 2008 with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, a chronic form of leukemia usually found in older adults. Maggie went through chemotherapy and was then given her medications at home.   On November 20, 2008, Maggie underwent a bone marrow transplant.  Now in remission, Maggie loves to do what kids do – play with her sister and brother, assemble puzzles, color, and play music.

Irelynn was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). Following successful chemotherapy, by December 2008 she was cancer free, but that did not stop the treatments. An average child diagnosed with ALL undergoes approximately 2 ½ years of chemotherapy treatment. Irelynn, just like any little kid with cancer, went through her ups and downs. But she still found time to smile and make a new friend. In November 2009, after 11 months of being on maintenance chemotherapy and treatment Irelynn became very ill. With no immune system, like other cancer patients, she was extremely susceptible to infection. She was later diagnosed with Valley Fever, a common fungus is Arizona. Irelynn joined heaven on December 22, 2009 on her 4th birthday.

She taught others to be strong, to love no matter what, and to live life the way it is given to you. An extremely smart and outgoing young lady, she lives on through others she’s touched and reminds us to hope for the future.

Evan was diagnosed in October 2010 with Burkitts Lymphoma/Leukemia.  Growing up with relatively little health issues, his family was shocked by this news.  As the fastest growing cancer that is known to exist, it is fortunately also the fastest in responding to chemotherapy.  It has an intensive treatment window of 6 to 8 months rather than the usual 3-3.5 years.  In Evan’s case, his cancer was present in his abdomen as lymphoma (two nodules; one on the liver and one on the kidney) and his bone marrow (leukemia).  The treatment for both issues is the same chemotherapy plan and protocol. 

As of February 1st, 2011, Evan’s bone marrow and his body is now cancer free and his family and friends could not be happier!  He is currently in the maintenance phase of his chemo and enjoys hanging out with his younger brothers, playing piano, reading, drawing, designing robots, building with Legos, and playing with the neighbor’s dogs.