Keaton Kiddos – Katie

Keaton Kiddoe KatieKatie age 16 Diagnosis:

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia– Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the body’s white blood cells (WBCs). Normally, WBCs help fight infection and protect the body against disease. But in leukemia, WBCs turn cancerous and multiply when they shouldn’t, resulting in too many abnormal WBCs, which then interfere with organ function.

Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia– CML is caused by a chromosomal problem. The 23 pairs of chromosomes in the body each contain segments of DNA called genes. Genes are essentially the body’s blueprints.

CML occurs when a piece of chromosome 22 breaks off and switches places with a piece of chromosome 9. (This piece, containing parts of both chromosome 9 and chromosome 22, is known as the Philadelphia chromosome.) The combination results in the cancer gene known as BCR-ABL. This is the gene that instructs the body to make too many mature WBCs

Meet Elias

On January 25, 2024, at just three years old, sweet Elias’ life changed forever when he was diagnosed with an optic nerve glioma, a rare and challenging brain tumor that affected the vision in his left eye. For Elias and his family, the diagnosis was devastating. In an instant, their world was filled with uncertainty, fear, and countless questions about what the future would hold.

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Meet Rogelio

In early July 2024, at just 1 year old, sweet Rogelio’s life and his family’s world changed forever when he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). After spending a month receiving treatment in their home country, his parents faced an incredibly difficult decision. Wanting to give their son access to the best possible treatment and care, they made the courageous choice to bring Rogelio to the United States.

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Meet Bailey

Bailey is a bright, confident, fun-loving Keaton’s Kiddo whose courage and positivity have inspired so many throughout her childhood cancer journey. Behind her infectious smile is a story of tremendous strength, one that began with unexpected symptoms, a life-changing diagnosis, and a journey no child or family should have to face.

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