Meet ASK kid Lillian

“This child has fight in her.”  Words that Lillian’s family has heard more than once in her long battle with Actute Myloid Leukemia (subset 6). 

Diagnosed when she was seven years old, Lillian’s leukemia diagnosis – usually reserved for the elderly population – is one of three pediatric-documented cases in the world in children. At every turn, Lillian has fought cancer, multiple affects of experimental treatments and chemotherapy, and most significantly, Graph vs. Host Disease common among transplant recipients, with grit and determination.

While living in Italy where her dad was working for the US Navy, Lillian experienced difficulty breathing.  After several trips to pediatricians and emergency rooms, she was diagnosed with “some form of leukemia” and sent back to the States for an official diagnosis.

“Lillian wasn’t expected to survive the flight home or the first night in the PICU.  The odds against Lillian were so great,” shared Tina, Lillian’s mom.
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Within two weeks, a tracheotomy was inserted to help her breathe and she started chemotherapy.  This was the beginning of a six-month hospitalization for chemo- therapy and physical rehabilitation, but Lillian defied the odds and continued to improve.

Photos: Lillian being flown back to the States for medical care. 

Until one year later, when Lillian’s leukemia relapsed.  She had a life-saving bone marrow transplant, now sharing a unique bond with her older sister who was her donor.  Lillian’s determination to beat cancer has been an inspiration to everyone around her, especially her mom.

“Over the years, we’ve watched her go from the sickest child in the hospital to a healthy 13-year-old,” says Tina.  “Lillian is an identical twin and she’s fought so hard to keep-up with her sister physically and academically.  She still has physical therapy for stamina, but she’s come so far, against crazy odds, and has never, ever given up.”

Photo: Lillian beating cancer for the second time.

ASK has been working behind the scenes to provide both in-patient and out-patient clinic services for Lillian and her family, including chaplain support, summer camps and tutoring.

​“Our kids have spent a number of birthdays and holidays in the hospital or in clinic and the ASK staff has always made us feel special,” continues Tina. “It is a very aptly named organization because, literally, all we have to do is ask for something and there is always a positive answer. Someone is always there to ease Lillian’s burden or just smile and say hello. We’re very lucky to have them, and are so grateful.”

Left: Lillian and Michelle working on a collage during ASK After-School Enrichment. Middle: Lillian and her mom, Tina, smile during the ASK Kourageous Kids Party. Right: Lillian and Michelle during the Kourageous Kids photo shoot, July 2019.