Addison was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) on September 28, 2012. She was just 6 years old and a 1st grader at Southdale Elementary.

In the weeks leading up to her diagnosis, Addison had been running low grade fevers. She was diagnosed with an ear infection and strep throat and had been complaining that her head hurt. We also noticed that she had a lot of bruises on her legs. Antibiotics didn’t seem to be working so back to the doctor we went for more bloodwork. Needless to say, the results were not what we wanted or hoped for. We received the call that Addison had leukemia and we immediately packed up and headed to Dayton Children's.

Addison started treatment right away. Doctors had to place a central line in her due to a mediastinal mass in her chest. The mass was comprising her esophagus which made surgery too dangerous. Most of Addison’s treatment was considered outpatient. However, she spent many days inpatient due to illness, low counts, and side effects. During the 2nd phase of treatment, Addison developed toxicity to Intractheral Methotrexate and lost muscle control. She basically overdosed on chemotherapy delivered to her brain through spinal taps. She also had pancreatitis and several other serious side effects due to the chemotherapy. Addison needed multiple blood and platelet transfusions over the course of her treatment and also required a NG Tube for nutrition.

Addison was in treatment for two and a half years and then needed physical therapy after treatment to help her regain her strength and muscle control. Addison is now a 6th grader at Van Burden Middle School and is doing GREAT. She loves animals, art, reading, swimming, and basketball. She is a Girl Scout, plays the flute in the band and plays recreational basketball.

Addison is honored to be the 2018 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Girl of the Year and our family is grateful for the work that the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is doing for all those touched by cancer.