Meet Charlotte – Leukemia Warrior

“The costs, both financially and emotionally, feel overwhelming at times which is why we appreciate The National Children’s Cancer Society and all they do for families like ours,” shared Emily, Charlotte's mom.

Born in December 2021, Charlotte was a bright, energetic toddler whose days were filled with curiosity, laughter, and the kind of joy only a 2-year-old can bring into the world. But just months before her 3^rd birthday, everything changed. She began developing unexplained bruises, persistent fevers, a rash, and extreme fatigue. With a family history of leukemia, her parents, Emily and Jesse, trusted their instincts and took her to the hospital for testing.

Their worst fears were confirmed on September 4, 2024. “Our world was shaken to its core when our 2-year-old daughter, Charlotte, was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia,” said Emily. “The bright, energetic little girl who filled our lives with laughter and curiosity suddenly became tired, scared, and lost her trademark sparkle. Chemotherapy, steroids, and painful bone marrow biopsies became our new reality and as parents, we were terrified.”

Treatment began immediately, and the first weeks were especially heartbreaking. Charlotte became intensely emotional and distressed. The steroids caused rapid weight gain and swelling in her face, known as moon face, and she suddenly fit into her then 5-year-old sister’s clothes. A bone marrow biopsy added another layer of fear and pain. By December, she was still struggling through the grueling effects of treatment: high emotions, significant weight fluctuations, and profound physical discomfort.

Emily shared, “Charlotte’s diagnosis changed everything in ways we never imagined. Simple tasks like brushing her teeth became a struggle. She battles mouth sores, food cravings, and rapid weight changes. One of the hardest parts was watching her lose her hair, something so symbolic of her childhood innocence. Her once full head of soft golden waves vanished, and it felt even more real with a constant physical reminder.”

Once Charlotte finished steroids, her emotions began to settle, and her weight slowly started to normalize. Through it all, her playful spirit never faded.

Her family balanced this journey while caring for her older sister and a new baby sister at home. In December, Charlotte endured another bone marrow biopsy and this time, it brought hope. Her marrow came back clear, but the road ahead was still long.

Five months after her diagnosis, she entered delayed intensification, one of the toughest phases of treatment. She could barely eat, surviving mostly on nutritional supplement drinks. “As a family, we had to quickly learn about this illness and find ways to cope, both mentally and emotionally. We never could have imagined we would have to explain to our 5-year-old that her sister wasn’t going to die and the doctors were doing an amazing job,” Emily shared.

During this time, Charlotte was hospitalized for several weeks due to norovirus, which is especially dangerous for a child with critically low counts. To protect the family, Emily and Jesse made the difficult decision to pull their oldest daughter out of school. She understood why but deeply missed her friends while she was away.

By May, relief slowly began to break through. Charlotte still faced mouth sores and severe fatigue, but her nausea had finally eased. Doctors continually listened to Charlotte and her parents and adjusted her medications frequently, searching for the right balance for her little body.

In September, Charlotte reached the maintenance phase of treatment. She was smiling again, playing again, looking more like herself than she had in over a year. Her hair started growing back and her childlike spark began returning.

She still faced challenges like neutropenia and fatigue, but joy finally found its way back into her childhood. That summer, her family took a trip to Dollywood Parks & Resorts with extended family. She wasn’t officially cleared to ride many attractions, but she had such a magical time being there, soaking up all the fun with her cousins.

How We Helped

When treatment began, Charlotte’s family drove 2 and a half hours each way, often weekly. The costs and emotional weight mounted quickly. The NCCS stepped in to bridge the gap. Their case manager provided compassionate emotional support through our Family Support Program; someone to talk with, to guide them, and to help them navigate the overwhelming unknowns. The financial support from our Transportation Assistance Fund became essential for keeping Charlotte’s care uninterrupted.

“The costs, both financially and emotionally, feel overwhelming at times which is why we appreciate The National Children’s Cancer Society and all they do for families like ours,” shared Emily.

Jesse added, “Their support for travel expenses has been a lifeline for us. Thanks to them, we don’t have to worry about the cost of fuel. Instead, we can focus entirely on her well-being and providing her the care and love she needs during her treatment.”

The NCCS also helped the family better understand Charlotte’s diagnosis and what to expect, giving them the knowledge, stability, and reassurance they desperately needed during the darkest moments of their journey.

“We never could have imagined going through this journey with her alone. Luckily, with the support of the NCCS, we never have to. For that we will always be grateful,” shared Emily and Jesse.

Today, Charlotte is in remission, but the journey is far from over. Charlotte’s fight is ongoing, but they are in awe every day of the strength she’s shown through everything she’s endured. She still faces bi-weekly chemotherapy sessions, and the two-hour drive there and back is a constant reminder of the toll this has taken on their family. But she is here, smiling, growing, fighting, and healing. Her story is a powerful reminder of why support matters, because no child should walk this road without a community beside them.