Haley R.
Haley is a bright and beautiful nine-year-old girl. Upon meeting her, you are struck by her adventurous spirit and infectious laughter. The thought that such a remarkable young girl is a cancer survivor never once enters your head.
At age eight, Haley began experiencing unexplained knee pain. It got so bad that her grandparents came to school, and picked her up early one day. They brought her to a nearby clinic to have it examined. When MRI results revealed a tumor in her right femur, Haley and family knew that things would change. Haley was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma; the most common form of bone cancer found in children. She was immediately brought to Wolfson Children's Hospital. Before her diagnosis, Haley loved to participate in cheerleading and gymnastic activities. Facing a possible amputation, the family was worried about their daughter's future; both physically and mentally.
Thanks to new technology, Haley was able to avoid amputation. In order to eliminate the cancer, surgeons had to remove part of the bone in Haley's right thigh. Doctors were then able to give Haley an implant that connects the remaining part of her femur to the lower part of her leg. The device also features a hinge joint to replace her knee. For added ease, and to avoid more surgery later on, as Haley's body grows, so will the device.
After completing thirty weeks of chemotherapy appointments at Wolfson Children's Hospital, Haley is now cancer free. She is also adjusting to the changes in her right leg. Referring to the new implant, Haley said, "At first, I was a little scared of it. But now I'm starting to get used to it. Now I'm starting to walk on it a little more than I did". When she reaches adult age, Haley will receive a permanent knee replacement.
Haley knows that things are different now than they were before. But, that does not change her wish to lead a normal life. She knows that while she can no longer participate on the gymnastics team or cheerleading squad, she "can always teach gymnastics". That optimism is the driving force behind Haley's remarkable recovery. Haley is a not only a fighter, but more importantly, an extraordinary girl.
Haley is a miracle. Thanks to your support of the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, we are able to make miracles happen in the lives of local children like Haley happen every day!