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.

Meet Keaton’s Kiddo – Pedro

Facing the reality of three brain surgeries and years of chemotherapy, Keaton’s Teen Alliance Warrior, Pedro, embarked on a tumultuous journey that transformed him in ways he never anticipated.

In the summer of 2021, Pedro’s life took an unexpected and challenging turn. At just 14 years old, he was diagnosed with a juvenile brain tumor, known as “pilocytic astrocytoma”, a type of brain tumor that can occur in any area where astrocytes are present. While the tumor itself was benign, its size and location necessitated a rigorous regimen of surgical and chemical treatments.

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Meet Keaton’s Kiddo – Gianna

Meet Keaton’s Kiddo, Gianna, a smart and beautiful 7-year-old who enjoys arts, music, and playing outside. In March of 2022, when Gianna was just four years old, her family received the devastating news that she was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a form of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, leading to the rapid production of immature white blood cells. For a young child like Gianna, the diagnosis was a harrowing journey that would test her resilience and the strength of her family.

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Meet Keaton’s Kiddo – MJ

May of 2021 started like any other month. Our family was enjoying the warm weather and spending time with friends and family. Unfortunately, May was the month that our world would change in a way we never expected.

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