Imagine getting cancer as a child. Not only would you feel out of place, but other children would not understand the pain and suffering associated with cancer treatment at such a young age. That is what just happened to McKinley, Chloe, Ava and Lauren, all only 3, 4 and 5 years old when they found out individually that they had cancer. Getting treatment at the same hospital, the four girls took a photo to celebrate their friendship
Here is the story of their journey and how after two years, the four got together to celebrate their friendship and being cancer-free by recreating their original photo, but this time as cancer survivors.
Cancer in Young Children
Just like older individuals, children of all ages can develop cancer. The most common cancer among children is leukemia, which McKinley, Ava and Lauren had. Chloe suffered from a rare form of lung cancer. And while cancer in young children is a horrible thing, the odds of survival are pretty high.
The Importance of Support During Cancer Treatment
The biggest part of cancer survival is early detection and treatment. And while treatable, the process of fighting cancer is often long and arduous, testing the will of even the strongest adult. That is why a strong support system when fighting cancer is so important.
The Girls Became Fast Friends
Fortunately, these four little girls were receiving treatment at John Hopkins All children Hospital at the same time. They became fast friends, playing together and offering each other love and support. Their mothers also became friends with one another, as they all went through the cancer-treatment process together as well.
To document this struggle, and to celebrate their friendship, the four girls took a picture together. Dressed in tutus, all of the little girls were missing their hair, though they didn’t let that get them down. They continued to play with their newfound friends and hospital staff throughout their treatments.
They Fought Cancer Together
Together, the foursome went through their treatments together, bonding over their shared pain and battle with cancer. As a child with cancer, other children without cancer seldom understand the struggles they often face when it comes to treatment and simple, everyday survival.
According to Lauren’s mom, Shawna Glynn, “She’s 3 years old doesn’t have any hair, but all of her friends in the hospital look the same way. So, it kind of gave her some normalcy.”
All Four are Now Cancer Survivors
After two years of treatments, all four of the girls can now call themselves cancer survivors. As with any cancer survivor, the girls all rang the bell to signal their triumph over the deadly disease. With their cancer in remission, all four girls got back to being kids again.
They Reunite to Take a Survivor Photo
Before they moved completely on to being little girls again, the girls and their family decided to take a photo to celebrate their victory. They also reunited with the doctors, nurses, and staff who fought alongside them and helped them through their treatments.
Here Is the Video of Their Joyous Reunion
Without the love and support of their family and fr4iends, the fight against cancer would have been much harder. Luckily, they found each other. It just goes to show that kids are resilient and seem to bounce back following even the toughest of circumstances. Here is a video showing the group both before and after their treatment.
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Source: Fox 13 News – Tampa Bay
