Diem Mueller is a 13-year-old 8th grader who has been battling Ewing Sarcoma since initial diagnosis on July 23, 2022. It is an extremely rare, aggressive, and difficult to treat cancer. Less than 1000 cases per year are diagnosed in the United States. Ewing Sarcoma begins as a growth of cells in the bones and soft tissue around the bones.

Diem has been through so much on this journey. From having a port placed then switched out for a CVC line, harvesting of stem cells, an oophorectomy for ovarian tissue cryopreservation, five different chemotherapy drugs, an internal hemipelvectomy in which the left half of their pelvis was surgically removed, sepsis, cellulitis, countless nights spent inpatient, missing out on most of 7th grade, spending Halloween and Thanksgiving in the hospital in 2022, blood transfusions, countless fevers and IV antibiotics, scans, tests, lab draws, needle pokes and more, only to relapse and have to start the process all over again as of January 8, 2024. Despite all of this, Diem has consistently displayed more courage, stoicism, and strength than you can imagine a kid would have. Their resilience is unmatched.

As Diem begins the second leg of their journey, we are optimistic. Diem fought the fight and came out victorious in Round 1. It is time to win Round 2. Cancer will not be what defines Diem. What defines Diem is everything else about them: their love of art and fishing, their tenacity, their giftedness, their compassion and empathy for others; their kindness; their uniqueness and individuality; their sense of humor; their quick wit and sarcasm; their love of animals, especially dogs; their passion for social justice; and Diem’s inimitable bond with their daddy. Diem’s got this and we’ve got Diem.