Nora was only 4 months old when she was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma. Her tumor, which was 111 cubic cm round, sat on her adrenal gland, on top of her kidney. Her cancer was also discovered to be throughout her liver (enlarging it to almost twice it's normal size), in her lymph nodes, and also in more than 50% of her bone marrow. She was diagnosed following an outpatient sonogram requested by her pediatrician the day before.

The next 11 days were spent at Children's Hospital, where Nora had a broviac (port) placed in her chest, had a byopsy of her tumor and 2 bone marrow byopsies. It was discovered that cancer was found in more than 50% of her marrow, which automatically placed her into the intermediate risk category. Further testing of her bone marrow came back negative for the genetic code (nmyc gene) that would have placed her in the high risk category. Nora's treatment included 8 rounds of scheduled chemotherapy, with an unexpected line infection and 2 additional rounds to clean out some residual disease in her marrow....so 10 rounds in 9 months all together!

Nora was always such a great patient. Her personality shined through the 9th floor with her AMAZING oncologist, Dr. Erika Friehling, and now with her survivorship oncologist, Dr. Jean Tersak! Our girl is so full of life and surrounded by love, but the long days in the hospital were enough to get the best of anyone sometimes. We wouldn't wish this experience on anyone, and we pray for all of the families that have been affected by neuroblastoma and all childhood cancers. There are too many. We were just so grateful to have a place like Children's only minutes from our home.

We plan to walk for Nora, but also for Nora's friends. For all of the beautiful and strong families that we have met and will meet along this journey. Kids, who, like Nora, have extra challenges that they didn't ask for and don't deserve. Please, even if you can't join us at Schenley Park on June 8th, or can't give a donation to Nora's Warriors, remember them and their fight during your prayers.

Every child deserves the chance to just be a kid. But for kids who are sick or injured, hospital visits and treatments can take time away from the activities that make being a kid so special. That’s why I’m fundraising for Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation – so that I can Give Kids A Chance To Be Kids!

I could not do this without your support!

Community fundraising helps Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC provide hope and healing to sick kids and families. Your support can help Children’s Hospital continue to be a leader in pediatric health care – advancing research of childhood conditions and diseases, and developing new and improved therapies.

You can help me reach my fundraising goal by making a donation on my fundraising page.

Thank you for your support as I Walk for Children’s!