Honoring Keaton’s Angel – Ashley

We remember our Keaton’s Angel – Ashley

Ashley is a kind-hearted beautiful soul whose personality is as bright as her smile. Ashley’s battle began when she was just 10 months old, diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma which affected her right temporal bone and pushed into her brain. After a year-long fight, she beat her cancer and was eventually declared cancer free. Unfortunately, 15 years later, the unexpected happened when Ashley’s cancer came back, and she was once again diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma for a second time.

Despite having cancer and fighting a tenacious battle, Ashley always had a smile on her face. She loved expressing herself through art and creativity and found comfort in her favorite stuffed animal named “Teddy” who was with her all 18 years, during her first and second cancer battles. Although she spent most of her journey in the hospital receiving inpatient care, Ashley made sure to make the most of it. Her personality quickly made her a favorite amongst her medical team and no matter how she was feeling on any given day, she was always willing to make connections with other kids and teens who needed a friend to talk to. She grew to be a support for other children battling cancer and a true inspiration for those who witnessed the positive impact she shared. Constantly surrounded by love and faith, Ashley’s family was her biggest support system. She cherished the days she was home from the hospital and found joy in creating fun and silly memories with her big sister Brittany. 

After being referred to our program, our team at Keaton’s was fortunate enough to meet Ashley and her family at our Family Movie Night and Holly Jolly Celebration. We had the honor of sharing care packages to lift her spirits on days that seemed harder than others and received many beautiful photos and updates about her journey in exchange. Her sweet personality and fighting spirit was and still is a true inspiration to our team. We will miss her dearly and look forward to honoring her life and legacy through continued support and connections with her loved ones. 

Ringing the Bell for Elias!

The room was overflowing with love, cheers, joy, and a community that has stood beside Elias and his family every step of the way. Every smile, every clap, every tear reflected just how deeply he is supported and loved.

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Jesus Learns to Walk Again

Before cancer, Jesus was always on the move-playing basketball, dancing, painting, doing puzzles, and bringing joy to everyone around him.
After overcoming three open heart surgeries by age 13 and navigating Down syndrome, Jesus was diagnosed with leukemia at just 16. Treatment has been long and exhausting. Months in the hospital… countless transfusions… and at one point, he even had to relearn how to walk.

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A Mother’s Perspective

“The bell was loud, clear, and powerful – but the journey to earn those three rings was even louder. Hearing it echo through the halls was overwhelming… tears, relief, gratitude, and the deep ache of everything it took to reach this moment. We weren’t just hearing a bell – we were feeling every second, every battle, every ounce of courage it represented.

He didn’t just ring the bell. He rang in victory.”

~ Sarah, Mother of Charlie, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia B-Cell Warrior

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