Tiny but mighty, that’s Lily. Though she has always been small in size, her personality, courage, and faith are anything but. She adores her pets including cats, chickens, horses, donkeys, and even a few spiders, and she loves being with her friends and family. At just 5 years old, Lily faced something no child should ever have to: a brain tumor.
During Easter break from Kindergarten, Lily started having headaches. At first, her family thought it was her new eyeglasses. When the headaches persisted, her parents brought her to the Beacon Emergency Room. After hours of waiting, the words came that changed everything: “Lily has a brain tumor.”
The diagnosis, a craniopharyngioma, was not cancerous but would cause lifelong health challenges. Her neurosurgeon, Dr. Fulkerson, prepared her family for what lay ahead which included surgery, radiation, and ongoing care. Supported by their Christ the King Catholic Church community, “Team Lily” rallied with pink shirts, bracelets, and prayers.
Lily underwent surgery and 29 proton radiation treatments. Along the way, Beacon Children’s Hospital became a place of comfort, thanks to caregivers who treated Lily like family. Nurses like Jon Wohlford, who always showed up with patience and kindness, made difficult moments a little easier.
Despite setbacks, Lily is blossoming again thanks to the support of her school, her church, and her care team at Beacon. Her parents are especially proud of her faith, which has carried her through each challenge.
This past year, Lily had the incredible opportunity to serve as a Junior Irish Reporter with Notre Dame Athletics. Though nervous at first, she bravely completed her interview and left campus glowing with confidence. For Lily, it was more than just meeting a football player, it was proof that she could face her fears and succeed.
Perhaps the most powerful moment of Lily’s journey came on her 6th birthday. Instead of asking for gifts, Lily requested that all presents be donated to Beacon’s Pediatric Floor to help other kids. Even in her own recovery, Lily was thinking of others.
Beacon Children’s Hospital has given Lily and her family world-class care close to home, wrapped in compassion and community. Her story is a reminder of why your support matters, because kids like Lily deserve the chance to heal, to dream, and to shine.
Learn how you can support kids like Lily at Beacon Children’s Hospital: https://foundation.beaconhealthsystem.org/give-now/
