Meet Lauralyn – Neuroblastoma Warrior

"We didn't think we were ever going to be able to pull ourselves together. We appreciate all the help we are receiving from the NCCS," says Ashlyn - Lauralyn's mom.

Lauralyn’s journey started when her mom, Ashlyn, noticed that her daughter’s stomach was enlarged. She expressed her concern to their pediatrician but was told Lauralyn was fine. This continued for many months even though Ashlyn’s “mother’s instinct” told her that something was wrong. She decided to switch doctors when it came time for Lauralyn’s next check-up appointment. Their new doctor felt her stomach and also noticed a knot was forming on her back. Tests were ordered immediately and revealed the shocking news that Lauralyn had a large tumor that was pushing on her lungs, heart and kidney. “Trust yourself when it comes to your babies,” said Ashlyn. At only six months-old, this adorable little girl was diagnosed with neuroblastoma and endured chemotherapy, surgery, stem cell therapy, a bone marrow transplant, radiation and antibody therapy.

Although some of Lauralyn’s hospital visits lasted only a few days, there were many that lasted for weeks at a time. Between medical bills and the two and a half hour drives (each way) to the hospital, Ashlyn felt increasing financial pressure. She reached out to the NCCS where she received assistance from our Transportation Assistance Fund and Emergency Assistance Fund. “In the first days our world felt like it was falling apart. We didn’t think we were ever going to be able to pull ourselves together. We appreciate all the help we are receiving from The National Children’s Cancer Society” says Ashlyn.