Meet Keaton Kiddo ~ True

Meet Warrior Princess, True!

True celebrated her 5th birthday on August 15th. A month and a half later, on September 29th, 2020, her life was changed forever by a cancer diagnosis. True and her family received the devastating news that she has Wilms’ Tumor. Wilms’ Tumor, also known as Nephroblastoma, is a rare pediatric cancer that affects the kidneys. Unfortunately, it is also the most common type of kidney cancer in children and often affects children ages 3-4 years old.

As you can imagine, being diagnosed in the midst of COVID-19 has been extremely challenging for True. While undergoing treatment and being in and out of the hospital, True has managed to jumpstart her education and join her Kindergarten class via Zoom throughout the school year. Despite these life-changing experiences, True and her family remain strong, positive and hopeful. As her mom Brandy states, “True keeps me in line, and lets me know when there is something that needs to be done.”

In addition to True’s treatment schedule, which can change unexpectedly, True’s single mother remains diligent while supporting True’s three siblings and maintaining peace within their home. Despite all family members having busy schedules, True’s mom has taken time away from work to prioritize True’s treatment and commutes weekly to clinical appointments. Thankfully the financial grant given by Keaton’s helped decrease some of the financial burden experienced due to income loss. During hospitalizations, True’s Mom often remains at bedside for days at a time which increases the isolation experienced by cancer. Follow-up calls and messages from Family Navigators have been of support to True’s Mom and served as a reminder that she is not in this fight alone.

Although she and her family have encountered so many changes this past year, True’s spunky personality has thankfully not changed. She makes sure to let her voice be heard and even lets the hospital kitchen staff know that she thinks their spaghetti needs better seasoning! While fighting her battle, she continues to shine while bringing so much love, joy, and happiness to her family and others. We love seeing True’s beautiful smile as she received Joy-Filled Experiences such as our Hope Chest, family care package and during the Holiday Adopt A Family Program.

As Warrior Princess True has shown immense resiliency in the face of hardship, our team at Keaton’s is so honored to be a part of her journey. Keaton’s Family Navigators remain in this fight with True and her family. We hold each child and family near and dear to our hearts as they walk through the cancer battle. A battle that no family should ever have to endure alone. #TogetherWeFight