At just five years old, Royalty already lives up to her name. With a big personality, spunk, and sass, she has faced a journey no child should ever have to endure and overcome odds that once gave her just a 10% chance of survival.
Royalty’s story began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when headaches, fatigue, and loss of appetite seemed like signs of a common virus. Her mom, Danyalle, hoped it was nothing serious. But as Royalty’s symptoms worsened and her behavior began to change, fear set in. A CT scan confirmed the unimaginable: Royalty had a tumor growing in the back of her brain.
Her treatment began at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, but continuing care closer to home at Beacon Children’s Hospital became a lifeline. There, Royalty endured three brain surgeries, multiple rounds of chemotherapy, and countless difficult days. Today, she is in remission.
“She never stopped fighting,” said her mom, Danyalle. “Every day she showed me, regardless of what pain she was in, that we were going to get through it.” Thanks to Beacon’s care team, Royalty was not only able to receive world-class treatment near home, but also to keep being a kid during some of the hardest days of her life.
That fighting spirit shined through when Royalty was chosen as a Junior Irish Reporter with Notre Dame Athletics. Interviewing a player on game day was a dream come true, an unforgettable experience that celebrated her strength and gave her the chance to just be a kid again.
For her mom, moments like these are priceless. “I’m proud of how far she’s come. She didn’t stop fighting. Honestly, I’m just proud that she’s able to continue to be a kid and live the life she deserves to live.”
Royalty’s story is a powerful reminder of why your support matters. Because of generous donors, Beacon Children’s Hospital can provide lifesaving care and give kids like Royalty opportunities to smile, dream, and thrive even in the middle of life’s hardest battles.
