Meet Keaton’s Kiddo – Avayah

Adorable, one-year-old, Avayah is full of energy and smiles!

In Apil of 2022, Avayah was unfortunately diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), a slowly progressing and uncommon type of blood-cell cancer that begins in the bone marrow, and is caused by a chromosome mutation that occurs spontaneously. Since the time of her diagnosis, Avayah’s family has had to make many adjustments to support her specific treatment needs. Commuting almost two hours, round trip, and having to take time away from work for long hospital stays, Avayah’s family has unfortunately encountered the many challenges and stressors that come with any childhood cancer diagnosis. However, their love and support of one another, and taking Avayah’s journey day by day has always motivated them to do what they can for their little girl, and Avayah’s baby brother, Martin.

Despite the many barriers and financial strain they’ve encountered, Avayah’s family cherishes the support from their loved ones around them. To best focus on her cancer treatment, Avayah’s aunt has offered to support Avayah’s mom and dad with child care for baby Martin, and her grandma has stepped in to provide financial and emotional care as much as possible. Although this journey has been difficult for each close member of their family, the support shared empowers their strength and resiliency as a family unit.

Despite the many barriers and financial strain they’ve encountered, Avayah’s family cherishes the support from their loved ones around them. To best focus on her cancer treatment, Avayah’s aunt has offered to support Avayah’s mom and dad with child care for baby Martin, and her grandma has stepped in to provide financial and emotional care as much as possible. Although this journey has been difficult for each close member of their family, the support shared empowers their strength and resiliency as a family unit.

Since being referred to Keaton’s, our team has been happy to provide Avayah’s parents with a financial grant through our Financial Assistance Program and a joy-filled Hope Chest for her and baby Martin, filled with special toys and items just for them. Thanks to our partnership with Build-A-Bear and sponsors at Detail Maniac, little Avayah also received a very special furry friend, in hopes of providing comfort as she continues to embark on her cancer journey.

” Just wanted to say thank you for Avayah’s bear. She loved it so much! And has it with her for bedtime every night. It was the only thing that could cheer her up after surgery.” (Avayah’s mom)

It has been an honor for Keaton’s to provide support for Avayah’s family. We look forward to continued connections, and hope to see the kiddos and family at future family events.

The Unsung Heroes

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the whole family is impacted. In this journey, siblings often become the unsung heroes—quietly showing strength, compassion, and resilience beyond their years.

While the focus is understandably on the child battling cancer, siblings face their own emotional challenges. They may experience feelings of worry, fear, confusion, or even guilt, and it’s important to acknowledge their role and provide support for them as well.

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Meet Keaton’s Kiddo – Stryder

Meet Keaton’s Kiddo Stryder, a fun-loving 5-year-old who enjoys animals and race cars! At just two years old, Stryder was diagnosed with stage 4 high risk neuroblastoma, a form of cancer that develops from immature nerve cells, and spreads to distant parts of the body. When Stryder was diagnosed, he was just three months away from celebrating his 3rd Birthday. A time that was supposed to be exciting and celebratory turned into a moment of heartbreak, and what began as an ordinary childhood took a dramatic and heart-wrenching turn, turning his and his family’s world upside down. Despite the weight of his diagnosis and all that’s come with it, Stryder’s spirit has been nothing short of extraordinary.

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Meet Keaton’s Kiddo – Peyton

Meet Keaton’s Kiddo Peyton, a resilient and joyful little girl whose life was forever changed when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at just 3 years old. When Peyton’s mom, Dianna, noticed unusual symptoms like persistent low-grade fevers, pale skin, and unexplained bruises, she followed her instincts and pushed for further tests. This led to the heartbreaking leukemia diagnosis, but Peyton and Dianna quickly found solace in the network of support provided by Keaton’s Child Cancer Alliance.

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