Author: Joe Lane

This dainty beauty is Liliana. She is full of life and joy. Her smile is contagious and melts the hearts of those who work with her. She loves Disney princesses, dancing, singing, swimming and playing with her favorite toys. She enjoys going to school and aspires to be a nurse and a rock-star when she grows up. Luckily for the world, rock-stars and nurses are in high demand!

At the young age of 5, Liliana has fought more battles than most of us endure through adulthood.  When she was three-years-old, her parents were hit with the devastating news that she had cancer. The moment surreal when a team of doctors uttered that horrific word. Cancer. An Oncologist gave her the official diagnosis of B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. It was in the spring of 2016 when she began to become more pale and weak, oftentimes not even able to walk the distance from the driveway to the front door without asking to be carried. She was still an upbeat and happy child, but was not as active during normal play time with Emma her older sister. She had developed a slight limp without any known traumatic injury. A few days prior to her diagnosis, she had two spontaneous nose bleeds which led to a visit with the pediatrician and then urgently to the ER.

The first month was extremely difficult; new chemotherapy drugs were administered via a surgically implanted port in her chest, spine, or mouth. The first phase included twice daily steroids which completely changed her physically and emotionally. The steroids caused wild emotional swings and physically changed her appearance so drastically that she was unrecognizable. She lost so much muscle in her legs, that she was not able to walk for a few weeks. She progressed through the protocol like a champ and did not complain a lot, even when receiving meds that caused horrible side effects. She was hospitalized right before her birthday (Christmas day) that first year for mucositis, an inflammation causing ulcers on the mucosal surfaces from her mouth all the way through her intestinal system. She was not able to eat for ten days, but was released from the hospital just before her birthday!  She adjusted to having a bald head with confidence and little concern of how people would react to her appearance. As a Georgia born girl, her family called her “Peach” when some fuzz began to appear. An adoring nickname that suits her well.

The decision to allow Liliana to attend school was not taken lightly. Fear of illness compromising her immune system delayed her attendance for one year. Onocologists encouraged her attendance so she could experience as normal a life as possible. The transition was successful. She enjoyed attending school, connected with teachers and friends and loved learning new things. She often missed school due to illness or doctor’s visits. At times, she stayed home to avoid rampant viruses such as the flu when they are circulating the school. 

The second year into treatment, Liliana began to experience skin rashes, infections and abscesses due to her suppressed immune system. Several months into her maintenance phase, the Oncologists realized that her liver was getting harmed more severely than most kids on similar doses of chemotherapy. Her body metabolized the medications differently causing a severe hepatitis and gallbladder issues. She struggled with severe abdominal pain and vomiting for several weeks before they could come to a conclusion as to what to do. They added another drug to her regimen to hopefully reduce the toxicity of the one drug, but it also had its share of side effects. Her liver enzymes did improve, but her platelets and hemoglobin dropped so severely, that they had to hold her medication for one to two weeks of every four week cycle.

Liliana loves the doctors, nurses and staff at the Aflac Clinic and eagerly looks forward to their smiling faces, despite her fear of the pokes and prodding. She has shown tremendous bravery and handled all that she has had to go through with a hop in her step and a song on her lips. At her young age, all she knows is a life of cancer treatments, hospital visits, and daily medications. She knows that she needs to avoid germs and wear a mask at times. She does not think ahead to the distant future, but enjoys the here and now, which is evident to all who come in contact with her.

Photography by Dinah Sutton Photography

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Mason is a rare gem of a kid with a very rare form cancer. He is unique, loving, and has always been an old soul, wise beyond his years. He enjoys spending time with his 5 siblings (Mason is the 4th of 6 kids), his parents, and his best friend-a puppy named Mickey. Mason’s interests are vast and captivating,  ranging from listening to the Beatles to exploring vintage cars to building every Star Wars Lego set he can find with his brothers and mom. 

Mason was diagnosed with Synovial Sarcoma just three weeks after his 9th birthday in July of 2017, making him only the 49th case of this form of cancer in a child nine years of age or younger. After the diagnosis of his primary tumor and with the rarity of this form of cancer, Mason and his parents travelled to several out-of-state high volume Sarcoma centers in search of the best Sarcoma team and treatment plan to save his life. Having never been on a plane before, Mason took nine flights within the six weeks following his diagnosis.  Often he and his mom were alone in hotels and hospital rooms hundreds of miles away from the rest of his family. Mason underwent a surgical lung biopsy out of state that unfortunately was unsuccessful and resulted in the hemorrhage of his lung. The following week, he endured a surgical sentinel node biopsy to further assess the possibility of metastasis. During the short time lapse between when Mason’s tumor was initially seen on MRI and while he was being staged and seeking a treatment plan, a follow up MRI showed that Mason’s tumor had increased in volume by 65%. Within days of receiving those results, he and his family traveled to Boston to meet an experienced Sarcoma team. It was determined that this team was the most qualified team with the best plan to effectively treat Mason’s cancer with the best chance at a good quality of life. Later that week, he had his fourth surgery since being diagnosed and his port was put in. Within a few hours of that surgery, he began the first round of the very strong neoadjuvent chemotherapy regimen. The side effects of chemo took him out of school, away from his friends, and often on isolation from even his siblings as they left him vulnerable to possibly life-threatening infections.

Chemotherapy took a significant toll on his fragile body.  Nearly every round of chemo he underwent resulted in unplanned trips to the ER and additional hospital admissions due to serious illnesses and complications. During the time he was on chemo, Mason missed many fun events and social activities including camp, birthday parties, trick or treating on Halloween, holiday celebrations and playing on his school’s basketball team. This was disappointing, but he never let it get him down and continued to fight like a true warrior.

After several months of chemo in Atlanta, Mason and his mom returned to Boston, away from the rest of their family, for his big surgery. Boston became their home for the month of November as Mason underwent extensive tumor excision surgery which included the rebuilding of his medial knee and part of his leg to remove his tumor. After surgery, Mason was confined to an immobilizing leg brace and used a wheelchair to get around. He began extensive physical therapy and vestibular rehabilitation to regain balance and the use of his leg. Mason was determined to stand, walk, and regain the mobility he had lost. He worked hard and pushed through the pain and challenges he endured, including having a non-healing surgical wound battling recurrent staph infections.  Mason has rose above the many setbacks faced due to his unwavering determination to regain his mobility.  The surgical wound took 4.5 months to heal completely after his tumor excision surgery.

After Mason completed his chemotherapy, his family adopted his new best friend and faithful companion, a Boston Terrier puppy named Mickey. Mason longed for a puppy for several years.  Given the miraculous treatment he received in Boston, the city held special meaning to Mason.  As a result, he thought it was quite fitting to choose a Boston Terrier.  The bond between Mickey and Mason in heartwarming and unbreakable!

Although Mason’s progress has exceeded his doctors’ expectations in many ways, his future and prognosis remain uncertain. Each day is truly a blessing and he and his family celebrate every victory!

Photography by Niki Murphy Photography

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Lyric was born as the family’s third child and the only girl.  They were overflowing with excitement as they awaited the arrival of their beautiful daughter.  They planned to welcome her into the world with an exquisite homecoming celebration.   Her father was home decorating with welcome signs and balloons.  While her mother was still at the hospital with baby Lyric doctors revealed that they suspected that Lyric had Trisomy 21 which is more commonly known as Down Syndrome.  Tests soon confirmed their suspicion.  This shocking news was absolutely devastating and her parents were riddled with fear.  Not knowing very much about Down Syndrome, they began to educate themselves so that they could support her and provide her the best possible care.  They looked towards experts and read research regarding how to care for a child with Down Syndrome.  Little did they know that Lyric would be the one teaching them.

As they began to care for Lyric, her, beautiful spirit was like a light shining though their darkest fears and loving her was so easy.  Her radiant smile and pure heart touch the souls of those who meet her.  She brought their family such love and laughter, they knew that they were now complete.

Lyric began to blossom into a healthy, vibrant toddler.  Given the possibility of enduring additional complications often associated with Down Syndrome, Lyric was relatively healthy and they felt very blessed. She had not even had an ear infection until she was two. The results of routine bloodwork at 2 ½ years old brought them unexpected yet earth shattering news.  Lyric had Acute Myeloid Leukemia.  It seemed so surreal.  She appeared to be perfectly healthy and thriving.

One month after being diagnosed, Lyric was admitted into Scottish Rite at the Aflac Cancer Center where she started her first of five rounds of chemotherapy. She spent twenty-six grueling days in the hospital during her first induction with many ups and downs.  Despite the pain and fatigue, Lyric amazed everyone with her strength and determination.  She fought with all of her being and her cheerful nature remained steadfast through it all.  When they tested her bone marrow at the conclusion of the first round of chemo, there were no detectable cancer cells! This was the most wonderful news and they were overcome with joy and gratitude.  Although the treatment was working, she still had to endure four more rounds of chemotherapy.  The effects were tough on her precious little body.  When her final treatment was complete, she had completed 720 unrelenting hours of chemotherapy with the goal of permanently eradicating the cancer.  Luckily, treatment was successful.  Her parents had never heard a sweeter sound than hearing her ring that bell to indicate that her treatment was complete and she was once again healthy!

Her parents were ecstatic to be able to take their perfectly healthy beautiful girl home.  Every moment they spend together is a moment they cherish.  Lyric is a rock star who doesn’t let Down Syndrome or cancer define her. Lyric has inspired many, but most of all her parents.  They are proud to share that Lyric has enriched their lives far more than words could ever express.

Photography by Nicole Photography

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Even before she was conceived, her parents prayed for and anticipated the arrival of a sweet baby girl. Their wish was that one day they would be blessed with a little girl and her name would be Breanna Noel Blackburn. The name Breanna means “to be strong” and Noel means “to be born” so it was perfectly fitting.  Little did they know how fitting it would be. 

Breanna’s parents were thrilled when they found out they were expecting.  Knowing that there was a history of cystic fibrosis in the family, they made sure to take precautions and be prepared.  At twelve weeks gestation they had genetic testing done and it revealed that Breanna did in fact have Cystic Fibrosis.  Although they were prepared, it was still heartbreaking news. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic lung disease that causes thick sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive tract and other parts of the body making it difficult to breathe.  It can also affect other organs.

At birth, Breanna needed enzymes to help her digest her food as she could not tolerate the fat in the milk.  This caused her to cry incessantly from the unbearable pain it caused her. Thankfully the CF Center was prepared and got her on the medication she needed to be able to digest it properly and what a difference it made! She went from crying non stop from sunup to sundown to eating and napping like a happy little baby.

Life with cystic fibrosis hasn’t been easy.  Breanna has endured many admissions to Children’s Hospital of Atlanta over the years since she was born to treat lung exacerbations, chronic sinusitis infections, endure seven surgeries on her sinuses alone, removing polyps and infection.  A typical hospital stay for Breanna includes a strict schedule of respiratory therapy, IV medications and physical therapy.  Physical therapy in the hospital gym is a crucial part of her recovery as the more active she is the more clear she can keep her lungs which helps her to regain strength.  In addition to the typical symptoms that come with CF, Breanna suffers significant joint and muscle pain on a daily basis.  The pain is so intense that it nearly cripples her at times.  On a daily basis, Breanna requires twenty pills and two treatments that include three inhaled antibiotics and percussion therapy to clear her airway. Despite this, she does not let CF define her or places limits on what she can achieve.

Breanna loves the ocean!  She feels like she can breathe better when she is near it.  The sea can be beautifully calming, yet invigorating.  Breanna feels more at peace by the ocean and if she had her way, she’d be a mermaid.  Swimming is also a form of therapy for Breanna as it feels really good on her joints and muscles.  There is nothing more special than nightly walks on the beach, watching her sing and dance along the shoreline.  For those few moments, there is not a care in the world.  Breanna and her family treasure those moments deeply wishing they could last forever.

When she can’t be near the shore Breanna loves to be outside in nature.  She has a huge heart for animals and her greatest wish since she was four years old is to be a veterinarian when she grows up.  She dreams of being able to save every hurt or injured creature in the world.  Hopes and dreams don’t stop because of CF, it just makes everything in her world much more important.  Breanna’s family finds new hope on the horizon as there is a new medication that has recently been approved for Breanna’s age group by the FDA and they expect that it will do great things for Breanna!

Photography by Niki Murphy Photography

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