Lily Strong

13-year-old Lily began experiencing dizzy spells and progressively worse headaches last spring. A few pediatrician visits and an MRI later, doctors uncovered a mass on her brain and in June of 2023, Lily’s family received her diagnosis: Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor (AT/RT), a rare brain cancer. Approximately 10-30% of brain tumors are categorized as AT/RT, but they are primarily found in children under the age of 3 years old—making Lily’s case extraordinarily unique. With the surgical resection of her tumor and induction therapy in the rearview, Lily is now undergoing radiation. She will also go through consolidation chemotherapy and stem cell rescue as part of her treatment with Children’s expert oncology team. Her difficult journey has been made a little lighter with the unwavering support of her family and friends— united in hope, strength and humor. Lily’s family has found humor to be powerful medicine as they navigate her complex diagnosis. She even named her central line tubing and pole Freddy and Francesca to help herself have a little more fun. Together, they’re all working towards her goal of getting back to competitive dance and middle school. “To still have the positive attitude she has after all she’s been through is where her resilience is—it amazes me,” Lily’s mom, Stacey, said. “We have learned to live day by day and lean on our care team. The entire team has been so supportive, honest and injects laughter and humor where they can – because that’s how our family operates and it’s helping us make it through.” This #ChildhoodCancerAwarenessMonth, we celebrate the strength and resilience of our patients and their families. You continue to inspire us! #TheVeryBestForKids #PediatricCancer #PediatricCancerAwareness

Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit Team Jack Foundation, Inc., and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about Team Jack Foundation, Inc.: The Team Jack Foundation was founded by the family of Jack Hoffman, the 7-year old Nebraska boy who is best known for his friendship with Rex Burkhead and his 69-yard ESPY winning touchdown run in the 2013 Nebraska spring game. The Team Jack Foundation raises money to fund impactful pediatric brain cancer research and works to create national awareness for the disease. As of May 2016, the Foundation has raised over $2.6 million for the disease and continues to fund impactful research projects nationally.