It is with deep regret that I have to reach out to make provisions for the current plight that is being fought by a very brave five-year-old. The pictures you see are of Presley Gaudet, her parents are Keith and Rhonda Reeder Gaudet, and she has been diagnosed with a cancer yet to be identified, in her lung, pressing on her heart. She does have a partially collapsed lung with a slight pneumothorax from the compression of that lung, as well as a lesion on a heart valve. She was first diagnosed with pneumonia about two weeks ago, and after administering 10 days of antibiotics, her follow-up x-ray showed no improvement. They elected to do a stat CT scan to identify why exactly the pneumonia was not being resolved. It was at that time they found the mass and most quickly admitted her into the Oschner Hospital Oncology ward for subsequent testing. Most results came back normal, and although there were a couple that did not, they were still not able to identify the type of cancer lurking in her tiny body. She showed absolutely no symptoms of pneumonia or cancer whatsoever, hence the referral to St. Jude’s. The doctors here were not confident enough to do a biopsy, for fear that anesthesia would be detrimental because of the pressure to her heart from the 4” lung mass. Because St. Jude’s does these types of procedures, it was simply the best choice they could have made. She left this morning about 10:30 in an ambulance, not crying but whimpering and holding her little hands out for anyone to grab her and say you can stay. It was the most heart-wrenching gesture that we have seen from her so far. However, after riding only a few minutes with her mommy by her side and her daddy driving behind them, she calmed down quickly and again had a smile on her face! They are hoping to do the biopsy upon arrival, after admitting her to St. Jude’s. It’s been a very long last few days, with most of us not eating or taking care of anyone but her, only praying for a positive outcome!! Although they drove today, just Rhonda, Keith, and Presley, her sisters are going tomorrow for a visit, just so that she feels more like she’s closer to home! Rhonda’s mom and myself (Nana’s) will go on Monday to be with her and give her parents a break and hopefully get an idea of exactly what type of cancer she does have! From there, a treatment plan will be forthcoming. Meanwhile, I am asking for financial support and more so prayers that she begins running and playing and laughing as she always has. Presley has no idea how sick she really is and demonstrates this on a daily basis. She doesn’t sit still!! She’s learned to roll her IV pole and not to be far away from it as to pull out her IV. Oschner set a very high bar, doctors and nurses included, and I am praying that her stay at St. Jude’s is just as wonderful as Oschner Pediatrics Oncology. Please extend your prayers, put her on your prayer groups through your church, and accept our appreciation for any donations within your means. We understand that St. Jude’s accepts financial responsibility, but that doesn’t include expenses such as traveling, bills still incurring at home, or anything as such. Our love for this child, like any other parent going through a cancer scare, is undeniable, and the pain is excruciating. Fear of the unknown can eat at your soul. We remain blessed, as this mass was found by a twist of fate and in hopes will be eradicated sooner than later. Thank you all for your friendship, your prayers, and your monetary support. We are forever grateful!

Presley's Family