On June 21st. 2025 After a last minute trip to visit her best friend in Georgia,  Kiley was taken to the ER after losing her ability to see. What she thought was caused by a horrible migraine that she had been battling for several days, proved to be more.

After several different scans and being discharged with no answers we further pursued help by meeting with a ophthalmologist who then diagnosed her with bilateral papilledema ( swelling of the optic disc caused by increased pressure in or around the brain) and ultimately transfering her to another facility where we found that she also had dural venous sinus thrombosis. 

Having no medical history to speak of all this was shocking. The doctors worked quickly to run further tests to find the cause in efforts to stabilize her.

That is when we were given news that no parent/peraon would want to hear.

Kiley was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease called APL (Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia).

This diagnosis came as a shock to us all, but Kiley is strong, and she is determined to beat this disease.

Kiley was transferred to the ICU where she stayed for 22 days. During the time we quickly started her on chemo. She underwent several blood and platelet transfusions, lumbar puncture, and a thrombectomy to help with her intercranial pressure that was at a near fatal level. 

We were able to stabilize her enough to move her to a step down unit under 24hr monitoring at day 23. Which is where we currently remain, today is day 32.

Unfortunately Kiley has not responded well to the chemo that is known to be the best for her type of leukemia.  Her oncology team has sat down with us and given us their thoughts and opinions based off of her tolerance, and recent lab work.

And it has been recommended that we transfer to MD Anderson, in Houston, TX. 

Not only will this be rooting her up from her home, her family, And everything that allowed her to feel like herself. During a time where she's lost all autonomy.  

It will also mean one of us going with her. To be by her side through out it all. 

This also means stepping away from our job. Being away from our spouse and our other child at home; for a duration that could be anywhere from 30-90 days. 

The duration is unclear until we get her transferred and a new treatment plan is set into motion.

”APL treatment phases

Treatment includes three phases: induction, consolidation and maintenance. Treatments vary, depending on risk:

* Induction: This phase focuses on eliminating enough leukemia cells to put APL into remission. Remission means you don't have symptoms and tests don't find signs of leukemia. Induction treatment uses a combination of a non-chemotherapy drug, chemotherapy and targeted therapy. He will need to stay in the hospital during induction, which usually lasts four to six weeks.

* Consolidation: Also may call this post-remission therapy. Consolidation treatment works to keep acute promyelocytic leukemia in remission and eliminate any remaining leukemia cells. This treatment uses the same drugs as induction treatment. He may receive treatment for eight months, with treatment sessions every two months. He may have treatment for four weeks and then a four-week treatment break. Treatment may be taking pills or receiving medication through an IV line.

* Maintenance: This is ongoing treatment in lower doses than induction and consolidation. Typically, people receive maintenance therapy for a year.”

 While Kiley continues to fight this disease, the inability to continue working has and will continue to create financial strain.  

Funds that are raised would go toward expenses, including hospital stays, essential medications, specialized treatment, Kileys wish to continue college (even online, shes determined to get those A's) as well as travel costs to and from the hospital for her and family.

Kiley has a heart of gold and has always been there for others, and now it's our turn to be there for her! 

Any donation, big or small, will make such a huge difference in her fight against this disease.

We are deeply grateful for the exceptional team at Ascension Sacred Heart and the zero hesitation to act by Dr. Wolff and Dr. Harbour.

We appreciate them all for all that they have done, and what they continue to do for others like our daughter.

 

*If you are unable to donate, we ask you to please keep Kiley in your prayers.

Together, we can give her the strength she needs to overcome this battle of her life.

Thank you for all your continued kindness, generosity, prayers, and love you have been showing.

 

The Cole Family