Since the last time we shared about Serenity’s journey, we’ve received a lot of new answers — and unfortunately, they’ve also brought even more challenges. At just 15 years old, Serenity has already endured months of surgery ,scans, appointments, pathology reviews, and constant testing as doctors from multiple hospitals and specialists work to fully understand her extremely rare cancer. Her diagnosis has now been updated to a rare high-grade salivary gland carcinoma with aggressive features and perineural invasion, meaning the cancer was found involving the nerves. Because her tumor does not fit neatly into one exact cancer type, her case has required additional outside reviews, molecular testing, and ongoing discussions between specialists to determine the best treatment plan moving forward.

While we are thankful there is currently no confirmed distant spread seen on scans, this is still considered a serious and aggressive cancer, and the road ahead continues to be overwhelming emotionally, physically, and financially. This Monday, Serenity officially starts radiation treatment, beginning another very difficult stage of this fight. Between traveling back and forth for appointments, preparing for treatments, missed work, and trying to help Serenity stay strong through all of this at such a young age, our family has been carrying more than we ever imagined possible.

Watching your child go through cancer is heartbreaking in ways words can’t fully explain, but Serenity continues to fight with so much strength and courage every single day. We are beyond grateful for every prayer, donation, share, and message of support that has helped carry us through these past months, and we humbly ask for continued support as we walk into this next phase of treatment and continue fighting beside her.