Hello all, my name is Whitney Hutchison. My family and I wanted to start this fundraiser to benefit my niece, Lily.

After years of pain, surgery, and tumor regrowth, Lily is now starting a targeted cancer medication. The treatment threatens her fertility, making urgent, uninsured preservation care necessary. We believe God is faithful—and we’re asking for prayer, support, and help securing Lily’s future.

Lily spent much of her junior year of high school dealing with persistent pain in the back of her left leg. At first, the school’s athletic trainer believed it was a muscle issue and treated it as such. When the pain didn’t improve, we sought out a sports medicine doctor who also suspected a muscular injury and intensified her therapy. Still, nothing changed.

An MRI was eventually ordered—and that’s when everything shifted. For the first time, we saw a mass in Lily’s leg. Doctors explained that it appeared to be a form of soft tissue cancer, and she was sent in for a biopsy. About 15 minutes into the procedure, the doctor came out and told us he was highly confident—based on what he saw—that Lily had a desmoid tumor, even before the biopsy was complete. When the results returned, that diagnosis was confirmed.

We were told surgery was necessary. After exploring options, we were assured this was the best path forward. The surgeon removed a grapefruit-sized tumor along with 33% of Lily’s hamstring. Recovery was long and painful, but Lily showed incredible resilience. Through determination and hard work, she rebuilt her strength and was able to play limited minutes during her senior year soccer season.

Following surgery, Lily underwent MRI scans every three months. The first scan was clear. The second showed tumor regrowth—this time in three separate locations in her left leg. Around that time, concerns arose about the care she had received, and we began searching for new providers. We ultimately found care at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, where Lily’s new doctor explained that the treatment she initially received was outdated and that surgery should never have been the first option.

We adopted a “wait and see” approach, hoping the tumors would stabilize. Sadly, Lily’s most recent MRI confirmed significant tumor growth. We had sensed this already—her range of motion has declined, and her daily pain has increased.

Now, Lily must begin a targeted medication treatment—what her doctor described as a “smart chemo.” She will need to take this medication for at least one year. While this drug offers hope in controlling the tumors, the side effects are daunting. Most concerning, it will place Lily into an early—and hopefully temporary—menopause. All female patients on this medication experience ovarian dysfunction, and because long-term fertility outcomes were not tracked in clinical trials, we are stepping into the unknown.

To preserve Lily’s ability to one day carry a child, she must also receive care from a pediatric onco-fertility specialist. This includes egg harvesting prior to starting treatment. While medically necessary, this fertility preservation is not covered by insurance. The cost of this care is expected to be between $15,000 and $20,000.

The emotional weight of this journey has been immense—for Lily and for our family. Alongside the physical and emotional toll, we now face the financial burden of ensuring she has access to the care that protects her future.

If you feel led to support Lily—through prayer, sharing this story, or giving financially—we would be deeply grateful. Your generosity directly helps her receive the treatment and fertility care she needs.

In the end, we trust God’s plan for Lily and for our family. We may not always understand the “why,” but we trust the One who does—and we rest in His faithfulness.

Thank you for walking alongside us.