No parent should hear the word cancer in regard to their child. In 2009, we would hear that word twice. In March, our oldest daughter, Emily, was thought to have a rare tumor called rhabdomyosarcoma in her vaginal area. After a torturous week of tests and scans, no tumors were revealed. When the surgeon went to biopsy the mass, he found it wasn't a tumor at all. It turned out Emily's urethra had essentially prolapsed (turned inside-out). We treated it with a cream for a week, and the problem was solved. We were so relieved. Little did we know we were about to relive our greatest nightmare.
 
In Sept. 2009, our baby, Ella was diagnosed with orbital rhabdomyosarcoma. We couldn't believe it. How could this be happening again? A few months before, Ella had been experiencing swelling and droopiness in her left eye. We had been taking her to the ophthalmologist for treatment, but to no avail. We decided to go back to our pediatrician. We could see by the look on his face that he was very concerned. Within 48 hours, Ella's eye was biopsied. The pathologists believed that the mass was indeed cancer. Within a week the rhabdomyosarcoma diagnosis came back. Here was that hideous word once again. We were devastated. We were so scared and worried for our little 2 and a half year old peanut.
 
But then there is Ella. Ella is the funny, feisty little sprite she has always been. She runs, sings and dances her way through life. Her brother and sister absolutely adore her, as she provides constant entertainment for our entire family. We are so very proud of her strength and courage. She has handled this challenge so well. We can't help but beam with pride every time Ella pulls up her shirt for her port access or laughs as the doctor "tickles" her with the stethoscope. Everyone always tells us that we will get Ella through this, but we have come to realize that she is the one that is helping us.
 
No parent should ever have to hear the word cancer, but Ella has taught us that cancer cannot and will not define her or our family. So in some way, Ella has already won.

Update: Ella is currently a first grader who is turned 7-years-old in February. Ella has been cancer free for over four years! She is still the feisty, fun fairy that she has always been, and enjoys life to the fullest. Her parents and older brother and sister continue to appreciate every day with Ella, and feel lucky that cancer is no longer part of their daily lives. Ella looks forward to five years being cancer free in September. We couldn't be more proud of our little hero as she continues to inspire us to live and love with all our hearts!

Written by Audrey Walsh, Ella's Mom
Updated: February 2014