My sweet niece, Penny was recently diagnosed with Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer of the muscle.  This heartbreaking news & the extensive treatment needed has put quite the strain on the Skaggs family.

A few weeks ago, Jacque noticed a strange and broad lump just below Penelope’s belly button. The shape was so wide and round that it almost looked as though Penny had simply had too much to eat, but upon pressing on it, the lump felt hard to the touch and it was clear that it was a separate mass from the rest of her torso.  After a few hours as the lump remained and Jacque took her into the hospital in Upland which quickly referred them to the Loma Linda Children’s Hospital. After a slew of scans and tests, doctors determined that a biopsy was needed to further clarify what the mass was, it was at this time that they began mentioning the mass was likely cancerous. Penny had minor surgery where surgeons removed samples of the mass for biopsy.

A few days later it was determined that little Penny had Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma.  After sitting down with Penny's oncologist Rob & Jacque were given some information:

1.) Penelope is categorized at Stage 2 / Intermediate Risk. Given the location and size of her tumor.

2.) It seems that the tumor is likely stemming from her bladder, she will undergo more scans to make sure. Being connected to or close to the bladder can complicate the removal of the tumor during surgery.

3.) Doctor's outlined a 42 week schedule for her chemotherapy treatments. She'll need to have treatments every week with every 3rd week undergoing a more strenuous round of medicines. Side-effects of these treatments are what you might expect, low energy, sores, loss of appetite, hair loss, etc.

4.) Doctors will perform an examination after 13 weeks of treatment to assess the success of the treatments and decide what level of radiation therapy is needed at that time.

While there is no good time to hear news like this, the Skaggs family is going through some major life changes.  They recently moved back to the United States, Rob just started a new job, and Jacque is due with baby #4 in less than 2 months. 

As you can imagine, the stress of Penny's diagnosis along with normal, everyday life has placed a lot of pressure on the Skaggs family.  To alleviate some of the financial stress on their family, we have started this campaign.  Any donation is greatly appreciated.  And we would love it if you could keep the Skaggs family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you so much for the support.