On June 1, 2017, at ten weeks old, Harper was diagnosed with infantile Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with the MLL gene rearrangement. With a 10 percent prognosis for survival, she was immediately admitted to our local Children's Hospital, began IV chemo treatment, and enrolled in a brand new LLS-funded clinical trial that ultimately saved her life. After eight months in the hospital enduring intense treatment, lumbar punctures, bone marrow aspirations, and more; then another 18 months of at-home oral medication, Harper rang her bell on July 18, 2019, signifying the end of treatment and remission status! Harper has never wavered since diagnosis, proving to be a strong and fierce little girl and now almost 5 years later remains in remission.
But remission is not cured. Her story is a rare one of victory and minimal setbacks. Too many others are fighting and struggling just to be kids and too many parents are hearing the words "your child has cancer"! This is why her family continues to raise funds for Light The Night in her honor and the countless others who have battled blood cancers.
Harper will be five soon, excited to go to kindergarten, and continues to thrive and grow. She loves to dance and sing and play with her babies and Barbies!