It’s hard to believe that Kimiko (Kimi) Lindsey-Schroder is almost 12 years old. Despite her love of dressing up, princesses and fairies – she can also lead a fierce debate about the presidential election or effectively negotiate with adults many times her age. Kimi has also experienced enough doctor’s visits and treatments as someone well beyond her years after being diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma.
 
After what was initially thought to be the flu, Kimi had back pain so bad that she was unable to walk. Upon a visit to the Emergency Room, she appeared to be improving, but her parent’s refused to leave without a blood test. Within hours of the test results, Kimi had an emergency scan showing a large mass in her abdomen and was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma with a 20-35% chance of survival.
 
Kimi immediately started treatment and has been through it all – chemotherapy (each time wearing a fancy dress!), surgery to remove her tumor, a stem cell transplant, radiation, antibody therapy and Accutane/retinoic acid. She remains in treatment both at her local California hospital and travels to Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York.
 
Nothing would please Kimi’s mom Michiko more than the prediction of a palm reader saying that Kimi would live to be 93, coming true. She marvels everyday at Kimi’s bravery, strength, positive outlook and empathy. She even says how she misses being an inpatient and seeing all of her friends. Michiko feels confident that her amazing little girl will go on to college, walk down the aisle on her wedding day, fulfill her dream of adopting children, but most of all have a happy, healthy life. She feels truly honored to be her mom.
 
Kimi and Michiko held an Alex’s Lemonade Stand and plan to make it an annual event. She states, “The sunny yellow color associated with the Foundation is such a beacon of hope in the otherwise dreary landscape that is pediatric cancer. I especially love the lemonade stand concept as a way that any child can fundraise. Together I believe we will fund a cure!”
 
Hero Quote: “Mommy, I want to shave my head too for those kids who still have cancer.” - Kimiko

Website: www.caringbridge.org/visit/KimikoBeatsCancer

Information provided by Michiko Lindsey-Schroder, Kimi’s Mom
Updated July 2018