On September 29th 2020, True’s life was changed forever by a cancer diagnosis, just a little over a month after celebrating her 5th birthday. 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. Fighting like the Warrior Princess True is, she recently celebrated her “Rainbow after the Storm” 6th birthday, which just goes to show how powerful she is in her fight against childhood cancer!
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 had managed to jumpstart her education and join her Kindergarten class via Zoom throughout the past school year. While life still presents its challenging obstacles, True has grown so much over the year and is now attending the new school year! Keaton’s had the honor of supporting this little Warrior Princess, as well as her mighty siblings, with backpacks and some school supplies to help support them in their education. 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 mother remains diligent as she also supports True’s three siblings and maintains peace within their home. Despite all family members having busy schedules, True’s mom finds the time to work, while also prioritizing True’s treatment and the commute to clinical appointments. Keaton’s has strived to eliminate some minor challenges this family might have faced, by providing food and gas cards to support them.
Although she and her family have encountered so many changes this past year, True’s spunky personality has thankfully not changed. She’s makes sure to let her voice be heard and even let the hospital kitchen staff know that she thinks their spaghetti needs better seasoning! While fighting her battle, she continues to shine and brings so much love, joy and happiness to her family and others.
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. In relation to the mission of Keaton’s Child Cancer Alliance and the support that our Family Navigator Program receives, we have been able to support True and her family with several more services. Aside from backpacks and gift cards, Keaton’s team has supported the family with everything from follow up calls through our Family Connect Program to Joy-Filled Experiences like a Hope Chest, a Build a Bear and wonderful sponsorships through our Adopt-A-Family Holiday Program, Keaton’s Family Navigators will continue to support True’s family with our special touches.
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
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