In honor of Brain Cancer Awareness Month
We’d like to introduce you to Keaton’s Kiddo Emily, a remarkable young fighter who has been part of our Keaton’s Child Cancer Alliance family since 2018. Diagnosed with a brain tumor, Emily has shown incredible courage, resilience, and spirit throughout her journey. Her artistic talents shine through in her beautiful drawing of Grumpy, which is proudly displayed on UC Davis Pediatric Infusion’s Wall of Arts. Despite the challenges she’s faced, Emily continues to inspire everyone around her with her strength, creativity, and bright smile.
“Our journey began in Aug 2018, Emily our 8-year-old was waking up everyday with headaches and throwing up in the morning. After a CT Scan, we were told a MRI was needed as they saw a mass in her brain. Worse fear ever is hearing they found a mass, and you would need to be admitted.
Literally 2 days after finding out survey was done on the 3rd day to remove the tumor. She was diagnosed with medulloblastoma (pediatric brain cancer). No news that a family needs to hear. She got radiation for 5 weeks then chemotherapy for 9 months. Everyday was going good and she was in remission for about 2 years. Our world came tumbling down when we found out in June 2022 that she had a relapse and her cancer came back.
She had laser surgery in July 2022 to remove the new tumor and went through chemotherapy. In April 2024, new tumors were found again, and she had another surgery to remove them. She was told this time she needed radiation again, and that went on for 5 weeks, every day. Afterwards, we started chemotherapy again and still being treated.
We thought everything was going good, but in November 2024, we were told more masses/tumors were seen. Just when you think it’s getting better and praying she doesn’t need chemotherapy much longer. She has been dependent on a walker and wheelchair since.
We were told in December 2024 to spend time with her and take her on a trip. There are only so many chemo drugs use to treat each type of cancer, and we have used all the ones that is for the type of cancer Emily has. We were lost in thoughts. How do you tell your 14-year-old that she might not live anymore? When you yourself can’t grasp and understand it. How do you tell your other kid, the possibility of losing their sister to cancer? It was such a hard thing to tell everyone, but it brought our family closer to each other.
She is a fighter and still fighting now. We will not give up until she is cured. I believe there will be a miracle, and she will overcome this. This has been challenging for our family but we take it day by day. Every day that she is still here and fighting is a blessing. We just celebrated her 15th birthday. Through all this she just wants to be a kid. But she smiles through it all and is such a Fighter. She is our Warrior, and we love her very much. Her journey is not yet done, we will continue to fight and not give up.” 💛 ~ Salina, Warrior Mom of Emily
The Keaton’s Team is honored to continue walking alongside Emily and her family on this journey. Emily’s determination and loving spirit are truly inspiring. Throughout it all, our team has been privileged to provide emotional and financial support as they navigate this path. We remain committed to our mission of spreading love and support to courageous children like Emily and their families- because no family should have to face this journey alone.
Emily, you are a very Brave Warrior, and you are so much Stronger than you think. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you as you continue your battle. We love you lots!
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