Help Athena Beat Cancer’s

(Athena got to meet Belle and Rapunzel at her treatment appointment. I know in the picture she doesn't look excited, but believe me she was ecstatic.)

So, the reason I am starting this account to to try to help her and our family kick cancers ass. At the beginning of June 2018 Athena had an ear infection. Justin and Sara took her to the doctors where she was given some medication for the ear infection. Then about a week later Athena started to develop Bells Palsy (a temporarily facial paralysis). She started having a bunch of bruises all over her body. So they took Athena to the doctors again. After some blood work they found out that her platelet levels had dropped significantly. The doctors at Texas Children's Hospital told Justin and Sara that Athena would have to be moved to the Houston downtown hospital.

After she got the the TCH Downtown and a couple days there, her vitals were getting worse so they admitted her to the Pediatric ICU. The doctors performed MRI, PET Scans, CAT Scans and Bone Scans to try to figure out what was going on with Athena. The had to give her platelets so that way her body would be strong enough to be able to perform a bone marrow aspiration. After all these test, we found out that Athena has a rare childhood cancer called Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma. She is already in Stage 4 and has spread throughout her entire body. The primary tumor started behind her ear, which was the cause of the ear infection symptoms.

This type of cancer a very aggressive cancer that attacks the soft tissue, connecting tissue and the bones. It metastasis (spreads) fast through the body, through tissue, the lymph system, and the blood.

Athena has started her first rounds of treatment. The doctors are hoping that the chemo and the radiation will kill the cancer. Athena will have to go through chemotherapy for the next several weeks. Then she will have to go through several treatments of radiation everyday Monday-Friday for several weeks. The family and Athena have a long road ahead of them fighting this cancer. Athena is a very strong little girl, with alot of fight in her.

Justin has taken off work since the first day (which wouldn't we all if it was our child). Him being out of work to be with Athena during this terrific time has put him in a financial bind, which is something that he shouldn't have to be worried about. If you make the decision to help them out, your monetary contribution will be going to help with:

1. Household Bills (since Justin has taken some time off work)
2. Medical Bills
3. Gas going to and from the hospital for treatments
4. Parking at the hospital (which is like any $10-$20 a day)
5. Miscellaneous things that may come up.

If, you are in a position to help out our family it is GREATLY appreciated. No matter if it is $5 or $100. Everything helps. If, you can't help out monetarily then if you would please share Athena's story with people that you know.

I will try to give as much updates to Athena's condition as we learn.

Thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to read my little princesses story. #TEAMATHENA