Welcome to Team Smiley Riley's Fundraising page!
We are excited to start fundraising for our 3rd Team Smiley Riley. At our 1st Lemon run, we had 6 team members-that was including Morgan and Riley. At our 2nd Lemon Run, we had over 80 runner/walkers/supporters and raised $6,847.00.
To recap our journey- We found a neck mass on Riley a few days prior to her 1st birthday. A few days later, she had surgery to remove this tumor and Riley was diagnosed with Stage II low-risk Neuroblastoma. Due to it being "low-risk", she did not need chemotherapy or radiation, only frequent observation (every 3 month MRI's). The chances of recurrence were low, about 3%. However, a year later another tumor was discovered.
Riley had another surgery in December of 2011 to remove the 2nd tumor. At this time, she also had an MIBG scan. This is a 2 hour study under general anesthesia of her entire body. If there was any other trace of disease in her body, then she would essentially "light up". This in my opinion was actually the most difficult time, for 2 grueling hours we wondered if she was going to glow. Knowing she was alone in the scanner for all that time was heart-breaking. Fortunately, the scan was clear- assuring us that the disease had NOT spread. Since that time, the plan has been ultrasound and physical exam every 3 months and so far- all clear!
So, in 2.5 years, Riley has been diagnosed with cancer twice, she has been under general anesthesia 9 times for surgeries and scans and she has been to more doctor's appointments than some healthy adults, but to look at her- you'd never know. She is just a big-eyed, well-appearing toddler with a peanut allergy and little scar on her neck. She loves her big sister, shopping at target and the Disney Store and her best buddy, Pluto. Riley brings so much love to our family, which is forever changed by this entire journey.
We feel so lucky that Riley never received chemotherapy or radiation, years ago she would have. We owe ALSF for this! They raised the money that helped the oncologists realize that these children did not need the treatment. We will forever be grateful for this and that is why we love this foundation so much.
Just as before, the chances of recurrence are low. However, it does not mean that we are not so worried. Its hard not to look at her and think, "What if?" It's so scarry! While we love her as a toddler (because she is hilarious), we look forward to when she is a teenager and no longer a CHOP oncology patient.
Thank you for taking the time to read our story. We hope you join our team or make a donation to ALSF to help put an end to pediatric cancer because quite frankly, as Morgan says- "It stinks!"
