Cancer has spread; treatment continues

This is my little friend, Abigail Williams. She is a fourth grader who is 9 years old. In August 2021, Abigail suddenly complained of severe abdominal pain. She was also having difficulty swallowing and her heart beat was racing. After a few doctor visits, she ended up in the emergency room at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, AR. An extremely large, invasive tumor was discovered in her chest and abdomen. Her heart was was completely displaced, and the tumor was compromising her esophagus. This tumor intertwines around her internal organs, blood vessels, arteries, and extends completely to her spine.

A biopsy determined a malignant tumor with a diagnosis of Neuroblastoma. Additional biopsies, body scans, and blood work revealed the tumor being confined to her torso and one lung. Surgery was ruled out due to the complexity of the involved mass literally wrapping around organs and her circulatory system. She was admitted into the hospital with a feeding tube, port placement, and powerful rounds of chemo were scheduled. All the while, her compromised airway and displaced heart were carefully monitored.

Most of her days have been spent inpatient for treatments and experiencing nasty side effects of the chemotherapy. Stem cells were harvested from her to be transplanted at a later date during the battle. Her severe nausea and vomiting have not been well controlled even with medication. Fevers have kept her feeling awful, too. Currently, Abigail is battling a serious bacterial infection in her digestive tract. She is unable to have anything by mouth until this infection if under control. On top of this, she is still vomiting. Her mouth, esophagus, and stomach pain have made the pain unbearable. The actual lining of her esophagus has eroded from the infection and vomiting. Soon, she will undergo scans and tests to re evaluate the size and complexity of the tumor. We are praying for considerable shrinkage.

This little one has been an absolute trooper! Through all of this pain, Abigail still has her smile. We can hardly imagine this journey as an adult, but she has embraced this journey with bravery and courage. She certainly has the spirit of a true warrior doing battle. Her little body is so weary, yet her smile can fill the hospital room with sunshine in the darkness.

Please consider donating to Abigail’s family to help with expenses related to being in the hospital for long periods. If you have ever had a loved one in the hospital for any length of time, you understand how the daily costs impact the family. Donations will be used for general expenses to help with household bills, meals, snacks, and transportation costs.

Please add Abigail to your prayer lists and help us spread her story of bravery as we pray for a miracle. We certainly appreciate every prayer and good thought sent Abigail’s way! Thank you for thinking of her and the family as they travel this cancer journey.