Adalyn is an intelligent, happy, and playful personality. She leaves a lasting impact on everyone she meets, illuminating any room with her warm spirit. As an avid outdoors family, Adalyn has already explored four National Parks thus far, delighting in the opportunity to connect and interact with nature. When indoors, Adalyn can often be found exploring picture books, playing with her favorite Bluey toys, expressing herself through art, or simply relaxing with her Mama and Dada when ultimately fatigued. She also loves music and is frequently filling the air with her favorite melodies as she sings along with her favorite tunes.

On a warm spring afternoon just after her 2nd birthday, Adalyn’s dad, Kristopher, noticed a nodule on Adalyn's tongue that had grown to the size of a blueberry. Concerned, he took her to see the pediatrician, who initially suspected the tumor was a swollen saliva gland, but suggested they see a pediatric dentist for a second opinion. The dentist concluded that the growth was beyond his expertise and referred Adalyn to a local oral surgeon instead. The surgeon immediately said that the issue would require advanced care, and referred Adalyn to a maxillofacial physician in Philadelphia. She had an urgent biopsy at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and pathologists confirmed Adalyn had rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. This marked the beginning of Adalyn's treatment journey.

She underwent 40 weeks of intense chemotherapy consisting of vincirstine, dactinomycin, and cyclophosphamide (VAC) at CHOP. Then she transferred to a different cancer center for four weeks of proton beam radiation therapy. Adalyn had her “final chemo” treatment, but is currently being monitored because her recent scans showed concerning results. In May, she will have her next PET and MRI scans to hopefully conclude this treatment.

“Adalyn is the strongest fighter I know,” said Kristopher about his hero, “We're truly blessed to be her parents. Despite enduring every chemotherapy cycle with severe neutropenia, resulting in frequent inpatient stays and extra clinic visits at CHOP, she presses on with incredible energy to the amazement of not only us, but also her care team!” He wants to give a grateful shoutout to Adalyn’s care team at CHOP, who truly go above and beyond for the children fighting every day.

To those who might also be facing a childhood cancer diagnosis, Kristopher offers some words of advice: “It's absolutely essential to build a strong support system; whether it be your family and friends, foundations, your care team, or other families currently fighting – having others to assist in the drive that keeps you moving forward can be the difference between finding the mental and physical power to uplift and press on, and struggling to motivate yourself and find the energy. Within each diagnosis and journey, there can be slivers of hidden beauty, often manifesting in the most unexpected ways. Each one should be cherished and celebrated, including every "little wins" experienced along the way.  There will be good days, there will be bad days – but what's important is to make every effort to stay positive as it's an important factor in supporting the spirits of yourself, and of all those involved.”

Kristopher hopes that they continue exploring more National Parks together as a family, meet Adalyn's best friends, learn about her days at school, her favorite interests, and the inspirations she'll discover that'll define her surely bright future! He hinges these hopes on the work of oncology medical staff and charity Foundations like Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF).

To Kristopher, “ALSF is an ultimate mechanism that raises funding and awareness for the dire need of continued research into the causes and lasting impacts of childhood cancer.”

 “But I don't want to go home!” – Adalyn (even after long and difficult inpatient stays, her CHOP care team is absolutely incredible)

Information provided by Kristopher H., Adalyn’s dad
Updated April 2025