Azalea Coolidge is a ten year old Relapse stage 4 Neuroblastoma survivor. Azalea was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer at the age of two and relapsed at the age of four. She endured many years of harsh cancer treatment and experimental trials at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in NYC. These treatments untimely saved her life but unfortunately left her with many long term side effects such as scoliosis caused by radiation that went through to her spine, severe high frequency hearing loss in both ears, speech problems caused by the hearing loss, dental problems, Neurocognitive dysfunction, problem’s retaining/processing information. She’s currently at risk for secondary cancers, heart problem’s , liver problem’s, kidney problems, GI problems, possible infertility, possible diabetes, Musculoskeletal alteration/Decreased spinal growth. These are just a few documented side effects that Azalea has to constantly be monitored and have specialists for.
Azalea is seen every six months to once a year for one week at MSKCC. During this time she sees many specialists and long term follow up care. Lately we’ve had to go more frequently as Azalea is actively having problems with her spine. Our goal is to schedule an appointment with Shriner’s after Azalea’s Spinal MRI is complete (Sept 2025).
This fundraiser was created to raised money as the medical trips to NYC are outrageously expensive. We also like to reward Azalea while we are in NYC due to these appointments being extremely hard for her physically, mentally and emotionally. It helps her to have something to look forward to at the end of a long hospital day.
Just like no two cases of pediatric cancer are the same, neither are the long term side effects. Every child is different and the hospital visits don’t stop after treatment has ended. Azalea will be monitored like this for life and I pray that she always has the support to help guide her through this long journey.
We know how blessed we are and thank God every day for our beautiful girl. She truly is a miracle and a special one with an amazing purpose. Despite all of Azalea’s challenges she always faces each day with a smile on her face and we hope that will show other people that surviving terminal cancer is possible. Never lose hope!
Thank you to everyone who has supported Azalea’s Fight and continues to be there for her. Your prayers truly mean so much and we don’t know where’d be without you all!