#MiracleMaren is Faster than Cancer
At 2.5 years old, Maren, experienced weeklong fevers and back pain. After several weeks of doctor’s visits, Maren’s pediatrician referred the family to Kaiser Roseville for further testing. The family checked in on July 28, 2014 and two days later an MRI confirmed a tumor on Maren’s spine. As Maren’s mother shared, “The doctors thought they could biopsy it to get a definite answer as to what kind of cancer we were dealing with…yes CANCER. The ‘C’ word that no one thinks will be ever said to them, has just been told to us and flipped our world inside out.”
The diagnosis was Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Immediately, steroids were started to shrink the tumor and by August 2nd Maren could no longer use her own legs to walk. In the wee hours of August 3rd, Maren suffered a spinal cord stroke and was rushed into a six hour surgery to remove the tumor. Fortunately, a good portion of the tumor was removed with other areas located in inoperable places. After a two week inpatient stay at Kaiser, Maren was transferred to UC Davis to begin physical therapy and chemotherapy simultaneously. At that time, the family did not have much information on permanent damage or paralysis. However, they were aware that Maren had suffered heart damage and a seizure which have been linked to the chemotherapy treatment.
Words from Maren’s mother, Samantha: “You take every day as it comes. You do the best that you can with support you are given. KRM has taken great lengths to make this journey less stressful for our whole family and for that we thank you so much. The family support through financial grants and gift cards really help out, but thank you so much more for helping out the spirit! This is a tough journey that no one ever expects to find themselves in, but you just have to rise to the challenge because there is just no other alternative.”
Now a year after her initial diagnosis, #MiracleMaren continues fighting strong with the love from her parents and 3 year old sister. She is a tough, brave girl that was faster than cancer… just ask her.
Give a gift today to help children like Maren and their families by DONATING HERE to Keaton Raphael Memorial. Because kids can’t fight cancer alone!
Big Day of Giving, May 3 midnight to midnight
https://bigdayofgiving.org/npo/keaton-raphael-memorial