Kathryn is a very active and friendly girl. She was born with Down syndrome, but does not let that (or much of anything) stop her from doing her best in everything she tries. She plays fall soccer and spring baseball in special needs leagues, but her favorite thing to do is dance. She and her big sister, Elisabeth, love to hang out and do things together, too.

Just before Thanksgiving, when Kathryn was 4, she was very sick with what seemed like a virus. Her parents took her to the doctor to make sure she got checked out before the holiday weekend. The doctors saw how awful Kathryn looked and immediately suspected that the issue was much more serious than a virus. Kathryn was sent to a local hospital and then, by ambulance, to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for confirmation of the suspected diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and the immediate commencement of chemotherapy. Despite being aware that kids with Down syndrome are more likely to get leukemia than their typical peers, the diagnosis was still a shock.

Kathryn was treated for two and a half years at CHOP with the usual chemotherapy protocol for ALL: spinal taps (at various times, weekly and then monthly), injections, oral and IV chemo. She had daily chemo given at home and for about a year she was on a NG feeding tube due to lack of weight gain. She also needed immune system boosters for about a year.

Kathryn is her family's hero as she was so brave during all of her treatments, always upbeat and generally happy. She never really fought her parents or the medical personnel treating her about taking her medications, being tested or tube feedings, and tolerated her many hospitalizations with a great attitude. She went back to school when she could during treatment and was so happy to be there when she could be. She was a great role model for the rest of her family when they were down about her illness.

As a family local to the Philadelphia area, Kathryn’s family knew of ALSF and the power of a community coming together in support of kids with cancer. In particular, a recent study that the Foundation helped fund where scientists were able to provide some answers as to why kids with Down syndrome are more likely to get leukemia was meaningful for them in light of Kathryn’s situation.

Elisabeth received support from the ALSF SuperSibs Progam during Kathryn's treatment which was helpful to her. Kathryn will miss her a lot when she leaves for college soon!

Kathryn is now 16 years old and happily in remission. Her family hopes that Kathryn lives a long, happy and healthy life and is not subjected to any relapse of her ALL.

Information provided by Lynne Forsyth, Kathryn’s Mom
October 2019