This is my friend’s daughter Zoe. She is 8 years old, and in January of 2024 she was diagnosed with Spindle Cell Rhabdomyosarcoma. a spontaneous childhood cancer that usually starts in tissue or ligaments. Zoe’s cancer appeared to have started in her jaw muscle. After a round of chemotherapy failed to stop the tumor growth, Zoe had a facial surgery to remove her compromised jaw bone and muscle and then she had more chemotherapy.

In May of 2024 they discovered more tumors near her temple. That led to radiation therapy, more chemotherapy, and a second facial surgery. Through it all, Zoe has been a trooper. She’s been fighting this disease like a true champion.

Today, Zoe is doing well. She continues to undergo chemo treatments, but she’s getting back to normal. Her hair is starting to grow back and her appetite is improving. Hopefully there will be no further setbacks, but even if there are I know that Zoe will be ready to overcome them.

Zoe’s progress so far would not have been possible without an amazing team of doctors who have provided her with the life-saving treatment she has needed. Unfortunately, the treatment options for kids like Zoe are limited, and they carry significant side effects. We need more treatment options for these kids. We need safer and more effective treatment options for these kids. We need to do better for the 42 kids diagnosed EVERY DAY in the US.

That’s where CureSearch comes in. They are all about funding the most promising research and getting these kids the treatments they deserve.

In September I will be participating in my 6th CureSearch Ultimate Hike to raise funds for CureSearch and their mission to cure pediatric cancers. I’m doing this to support kids like Zoe and so many others. Please consider making a donation on my CureSearch fundraiser page

To learn more about childhood rhabdomyosarcoma, go to Rhabdomyosarcoma-in-Children