Hazel's Journey

Meet Hazel, my beautiful three year old niece. Like most three year old little girls Hazel likes to spend her time dressing like the Disney princesses, coloring, playing with her Bluey characters and spending time on her tablet. That was until she developed a low grade fever along with a stomach ache before Thanksgiving. After several trips to the Doctor Hazel was diagnosed with Wilms Tumors Kidney Cancer. It was quickly discovered that Hazel's left kidney was completely overtaken by the cancer, there are multiple lesions on her right kidney and a spot was found on her lung. Once diagnosed, life has become a whirlwind for Mom Lisa Walden Saldinger and Dad Jake Saldinger. For Mom it also meant immediately quitting her job. Hazel was immediately hospitalized and chemo treatments began the same week that she was diagnosed. To-date Hazel has received six chemo treatments and fortunately, as a result, the huge grapefruit sized tumor on her left kidney has shrunk by 65%. This has enabled them to plan for surgery. Hazel's surgical team plans to remove the left kidney along with the large tumor that has completely overtaken it and remove the numerous lesions on the right kidney saving as much of the kidney as possible. The team will remove and biopsy the lesion on her lung at a later date. Following surgery Hazel will continue to have 30-40 more chemo treatments as well as various scans and testings that are needed while undergoing these treatments.

First and foremost I ask that each of you remember to call Hazel, Lisa and Jake's names when you pray. I would also humbly ask that you all leave a message for Lisa and Jake and if you are able to monetarily help support them in this difficult time in their lives it would be most graciously appreciated.

Lisa and Jake thank everyone for the support you have already shown them during this difficult time. They are truly grateful.