You Make Us Stronger

“Avalynn was always extremely healthy, smart and energetic. Two months after her 2nd birthday, she became very ill. She was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. She was on chemotherapy for 2 ½ years and finished in May 2018. She was on treatment for 848 days, spent 40 nights in the hospital, had 789 doses of chemotherapy, 128 days of steroids, 36 blood product transfusions, and went under anesthesia 28 times. She is full of personality and enjoys being outside, animals, boating, and anything Disney. She is now 5 ½ and just started Kindergarten. She is one year and three months off treatment and thriving. The Children’s Cancer Center has been amazing at giving us experiences with other families who are going through what we are going through. Avalynn just loves seeing her friends from the hospital having fun at the CCC. We are so thankful for where we are today and all of the amazing people who got us here.”

– Avalynn’s Family

“On May 31st, 2017, we learned that Liam had a Grade 2 Diffuse Astrocytoma brain tumor. He spent 4 weeks in the hospital followed by several months of learning how to walk again, swallow, and balance during everyday activities. We began 19 months of chemotherapy after learning that his tumor began to grow back. It’s been a rough and bumpy road with many complications, but he remains a true warrior and we are so proud of how far he’s come.

"During the last two years, the Children’s Cancer Center has provided us with a network of people who understand what we’re going through. We have taken advantage of so many resources that have greatly helped our family get through this time in our lives. We are so thankful for the work that they do, the support they provide, and more importantly the people that they are.”

- Liam’s Family

“At the age of 18, Nina discovered something unusual on the side of her head. Three different research centers attempted to identify the sarcoma so that the proper treatment could be given, but unfortunately it could not be identified. Nina began to receive general chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Nina was a fighter and she desired to live her life to the fullest. If we could give advice to families who have been recently diagnosed, we would tell them not to give up without a fight, to do their own research, and most importantly, to love their child – don’t take a moment for granted.

"The Children’s Cancer Center encouraged Nina to fight with all her might. When Nina was hospitalized during the CCC’s Tampa Bay Lighting Christmas party, the Center helped Nina attend via Facetime. The CCC even helped arrange Nina’s final wish – a commitment ceremony for her and her boyfriend. Even though Nina lost her battle to cancer one year ago today, we will never forget the things that the Children’s Cancer Center did for her.”

- Nina’s Family

“In June of 2018 doctors told us that they believed Yadian had a 2-inch tumor on his kidney and that it needed to be removed. The surgery was supposed to last 4 hours, but as the tumor had grown larger than expected, it took 8 hours to remove. He began chemotherapy on his birthday that year. His hair fell out, he couldn’t walk due to the surgery, and he was malnourished. I remember how difficult it was when he would call for our help - all we could do was watch and hold his hand.

"Yadian had turned into a very shy boy due to his journey with cancer, but the Children’s Cancer Center helped a lot. The CCC opened him up to new experiences and showed him so much love. Today, he is such a happy boy – he loves to swim, color, and do arts and crafts. Thank you CCC – We love you!”

– Yadian’s Family