After an awesome summer of swim lessons and fun, Brooke began to limp and have strange sporadically unexplained fevers. She was misdiagnosed with Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis last September, and by October she had begun to complain of tummy pain. An October sonogram revealed an unexplained issue with her kidney. So, on November 18 we took her in for MRI/MRU scans expecting a kidney stone blockage. We did not expect the doctors to tell us she had a massive tumor and cancer in her bones. At 3 1/2 years old, she was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma. We were fortunate to get her on a clinical trial and start chemotherapy on November 22. Although she is still in her induction period of therapy, we see miracles in her every day as her tumor shrinks, and her pain is completely gone. At the beginning of treatment she was barely walking due to bone pain and now we have to remind her to walk because she wants to run everywhere! She has a long battle ahead of her, but she is off to a strong start in her fight against neuroblastoma. We have strong faith in the healing power of prayer and a loving community of friends and family that constantly support us in this unexpected battle.

You may follow her story at:

http://www.BrookeFightsBack.org
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/BrookeHester

Written by Jessica Hester, Brooke’s Mom
02/2011