Help Fiona's Fight Against Neuroblastoma

This page has been set up in an effort to help Fiona fight stage 4 Neuroblastoma.




In April of 2020, at just 23 months old, Fiona was diagnosed with stage 4 Neuroblastoma. Upon diagnosis, she was immediately transported to The Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami for emergency surgery where she underwent a double laminectomy to release pressure on her spinal cord caused by tumor growth. She also had a mass removed above her liver and her adrenal gland was extracted. As harrowing as all of this sounds, this was only in the first 48 hours after diagnosis.  Her fight was just beginning.







After recovering from the surgeries, she promptly started her first of five rounds of chemotherapy.  She so bravely handled the treatment despite the adverse side effects that comes with aggressive chemotherapy.  She always manages to stay happy and resilient without complaints and demonstrates how to stay strong when faced with such dire circumstances. 





She responded well to the treatments and the tumor sizes showed reduction in CT and MRI scans.  The next step in treatment began in November 2020 when she received her first Bone Marrow Transplant.  After several weeks of isolation due to the dangers of her weakened immune system, she was able to be home for Christmas.





After just a two week break, she was back to the hospital for her second Bone Marrow Transplant.  This time it would be more aggressive and her greatest challenge yet. There are many dangerous side effects associated with Bone Marrow Transplants as the doses of Chemotherapy are much higher.  Her first major complication was  Veno-occlusive disease which affects her liver followed by Pulmonary Edema, which is fluid in the lungs.  The team of doctors enabled all resources to correct these complications that Fiona was showing. Nonetheless Fiona went into Acute Respiratory Failure.

She had to be intubated on February 7, 2021 and was heavily medicated to allow her to rest and her lungs to heal.  Thankfully, the prayers are beginning to be answered and her lungs appear to be healing. The doctors hope to be able to remove her intubation tube soon. Fiona is a true warrior and we know she can overcome this!






Fiona received another critical diagnosis as a result of the Bone Marrow Transplant called Thrombotic Microangiopathy.  This is an extremely rare condition which causes severe problems with the circulatory system.  She has daily blood transfusions and requires a rare medication that is transported from Cincinnati. 

Despite everything, Fiona and her parents have been extraordinary in their willingness to fight, stay positive and never give up.  Everyday has its ups and downs but, Fiona continues to be courageous and strong which is a huge victory in itself.   

Another source of stress is the financial burden that comes with receiving the care Fiona requires. The treatments are all done in Miami, 120 miles from their home in Hobe Sound Florida. To compound the issue, Covid-19 has made it even harder to come and go from the hospital as Fiona is in the highest risk category for infection. Fiona's father, John has been with his family throughout this entire journey. Being separated during any of this was not an option. The family of three has been living in hospital rooms together and supporting each other, getting small breaks between treatments to be home.






There is still a long road ahead of them for 2021. Fiona is scheduled to receive advanced proton therapy (pinpointed radiation) at the Miami Cancer Institute. This has been pushed back due to unexpected complications mentioned above. 

 Thankfully, Fiona's medical expenses are covered, but the rest of her families expenses are not. John, Madeline and Fiona need relief from this added financial stress.  Any amount would go toward basic necessities, transportation, comforts, and other expenses they accrue. Anything in this time of need is greatly appreciated even if you are not able to contribute at this time, the power of prayer and positive energy is a fantastic, uplifting gesture.

Please spread this across social media and help get the word out. There is a little girl named Fiona who needs help in her fight against Neuroblastoma!