Aunalynn “Auni” Harper is an amazing six-year-old little girl who attends Scholarship Prep – a South Bay Charter School in Wilmington, CA. Auni is an “A” student and has been selected for the Wooden Award for her 1st Grade class twice. Character is CULTIVATED through Scholarship Prep’s Wooden Awards Program, inspired by the renowned Pyramid of Success by UCLA basketball legend John Wooden. Auni is also a member of Scholarship Prep’s Dance Team in Wilmington CA., and a student at Brazilian Top Team in Long Beach CA., practicing Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai taught by her father Warren Harper, Jr.

On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the Dance Team performed at Narbonne High School. Auni the smallest member of the team performed that day despite her stomach pain determined not to let her team down. Post-performance Auni became seriously ill and was taken to the hospital the next day. On Sunday, April 27, 2025, a CT scan revealed a large tumor present in her left kidney. Auni had to undergo surgery for immediate kidney removal on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Pathology lab test/Oncologist confirmed on Thursday, May 8, 2025, that Auni was diagnosed with Stage 3 Wilms Tumor (childhood kidney cancer) due to the spillage during extraction and will need to undergo chemo/radiation therapy immediately. Our world immediately turned upside down.

No parents are ever prepared to hear such terrible news. I am Auni’s mom, Deyonna Banks, and I am Auni’s primary caregiver and provide medical insurance coverage for Auni’s healthcare. I also work for the County of Los Angeles. The County of Los Angeles does not pay into State Disability instead they provide employees, represented by a Union, percentage pay when they are unable to work due to an illness, however; that does not cover employees off work due to the care of a child. This means I’m off work without pay. I have had to miss work to be by my daughter’s side. Her father has also had to take time off work missing business opportunities due to this unfortunate circumstance as well.

The road ahead is long – with surgeries chemotherapy, hospital stays and constant medical care. The cost of treatment, which includes transportation, medications and basic needs, are adding up faster than I or her father can manage alone. Please help us fight for Aunalynn’s battle against Wilms Tumor with whatever you can donate. Thank you, God Bless.

With gratitude and hope!

Deyonna, Warren and our Brave Little Warrior Princess!