#SiennaStrong: Standing Up to Rare Renal Cancer

Join Sienna’s Fight Against Wilms & Stand Up for Kids with Rare Cancers

The week of Christmas, our world was turned upside down when our sweet and spirited 3-year-old daughter, Sienna, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Wilms tumor—a rare and aggressive kidney cancer that affects fewer than 400 children in the U.S. each year. In Sienna’s case, the cancer has spread to her lungs and lymph nodes, making her battle even more complex.

Her fight began with an eight-hour surgery to remove the primary tumor, along with her left kidney and adrenal gland, which could not be preserved. Several affected lymph nodes were also removed, providing critical insights into the nuanced nature of her cancer. In true Sienna fashion, she bounced back with remarkable resilience—but this was just the beginning. She is now undergoing 33 weeks of intensive chemotherapy and radiation at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where we are fortunate to have an extraordinary team of experts guiding her care.

Sienna’s Spirit & Strength

Despite everything she is facing, Sienna continues to shine. She is hilariously imaginative, wise beyond her years, and incredibly loving. Her infectious laugh and boundless energy light up every room she enters. As the middle sibling to Georgia (5) and Bennett (7 months), Sienna adores her big sister, dotes on her baby brother, and keeps us all on our toes with her quick wit and endless enthusiasm.

How Your Support Helps

We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and even strangers. So many have reached out—whether through messages, care packages, meals, or simply asking how they can help. We never imagined ourselves in this position, but knowing we are surrounded by such a compassionate and generous community has given us strength.

While we do not yet know what Sienna’s medical expenses will look like long-term, we are managing for now. We hesitated to set up a GoFundMe for that very reason. However, we recognize that many people want to contribute in a meaningful way. Any funds raised will go directly toward:

• Sienna’s medical care and related expenses

• Funding research for Wilms tumor and other rare pediatric cancers

Pediatric cancers—especially rare ones—are critically underfunded. Thanks to the generosity of so many, we have surpassed the $25,000 threshold for Cycle for Survival, allowing us to directly support Dr. Michael Ortiz’s groundbreaking research on pediatric renal cancers. Dr. Ortiz and Talia Sauerhaft, NP, are the heroes tirelessly fighting for our little girl’s life, providing exceptional care with unwavering dedication. We are beyond grateful for their expertise, compassion, and commitment to advancing treatments for children like Sienna.

Beyond our own journey, we feel compelled to help other families navigating similar diagnoses—families whose lives have been turned upside down and who are fighting to get their children the care they deserve.

How You Can Help

Your support—whether through a donation, sharing this page, or simply keeping Sienna in your thoughts—means the world to us. Every contribution, big or small, will help support Sienna’s fight while also advancing research to give hope to other children battling rare cancers.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us, for Sienna, and for every child fighting this fight.