Mae Strong

The onset of Mae Mae's symptoms was fairly quick.  Within two weeks, she was missing school, getting tested for Celiac and told to modify her diet. She didn't seem to have the energy to participate in basketball towards the end of her 8th grade season, but no one expected what was about to come. On Monday, February 24th, she went back to her pediatrician for an ultrasound of her abdomen. They indicated there was a tumor and most likely malignant. They took a biopsy of the tumor and found out that Mae had a rare form of cancer called Ewing's sarcoma. Typically Ewings is found in bone, but Mae's cancer is all in her soft tissue making her condition unique. 

Mae remained in the hospital until April 18th receiving treatment which included the start of chemotherapy. They withdrew stem cells with the hope of giving them back to her once her chemo was done.  Fluid was drained and Mae's medications were constantly adjusted. Finally, after close to two months in the hospital, Mae was released to continue treatment from home. Mae had her blood drawn on a regular basis, had to be hospitalized when her counts were down, received platelets and radiation and somehow occasionally hung out at the pool with her friends. Radiation treatment began in June and she endured 16 consecutive treatments. The tumor and surrounding lesions were already smaller and her team was hopeful that radiation would eliminate it. Mae continued with scheduled chemotherapy through the summer and into the fall.  She had several major hospital stays due to infections. Her doctor ended her treatments a bit early in December as her body could not tolerate more chemotherapy.

A PET scan followed in January which showed a few spots of activity. The decision was made to biopsy and unfortunately the results were that cancer was still present in her abdomen. While the cancer did not appear in any new areas, it is still very disappointing and needs to be addressed. Because of the aggressive nature of Ewings, Mae's team of doctors has suggested consulting other notable cancer hospitals. We hope she is able to be enrolled in a study at Baylor in Houston and while there consulting with MD Anderson. We may also put her on a drug that will help to keep the cancer at bay in the short term as chemotherapy is no longer an option. There are also possibilities at other hospitals in Seattle and Los Angeles.

This is the beginning of some traveling for the Dunn Family to Houston and possibly other places as well. We know many of you have already helped the family in various ways, and they are forever grateful. However, if you are able, financial support is needed at this time. We really appreciate any contribution you are able to make. Missy is also able to accept Venmo @Missy-Dunn-1, or checks can be mailed to the Mae Strong fund at Oak Bank in Madison at 5951 McKee Road/Hwy PD Suite 100, Fitchburg, WI 53719.