They say when it rains it pours. They say when things happen, they happen in threes . And so, once again, the battle continues for our beloved family, the Baker’s. But this time it seems to hurt far worse than any pain or any parent could ever imagine nor would want to imagine. Hadley Baker – Kevin and Lauren’s - cheerful, always willing to help, basketball obsessed, ridiculously fearless and always up for anything - 10-year-old daughter (soon to be 11!) was recently diagnosed with a rare type of cancer - called Rhabdomyosarcoma. Cancer. Hadley. I can’t type it without sobbing. Not something any parent ever wants to hear. The tears have been bountiful. The prayers have been on-going. The hugs are never-ending. And it's only been 1 week. Hadley was quickly referred to the wonderful care of The Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee, WI. Their pediatric oncology unit hasn’t skipped a beat and have been amazing to Hadley and her family. Unfortunately, with location of her tumor (behind her right jawbone muscle), the surgeons are unable to remove it. Hadley will have to undergo Chemotherapy and radiation treatments in Milwaukee. Port placement for her chemo is set for Monday (7/24) along with an MRI - followed by her first chemo treatment - all in one day. Brave little Hads has already gone through 2 CT scans, a PET scan, a biopsy and numerous oncology appointments (might I remind you - it's been only 1 week). The Dr.'s have confidently stated that cancer has not spread - but the tumor is growing fast (for reference: the tumors size was 4 x 4.1 cm when first found. 1 week later - it is now 5 x 5.6 x 5 cm.) which is why they are starting her 65 week chemo treatment ASAP. 65 weeks. 65 weeks of non-stop chemo and radiation treatments for this smiley 10 year old - who will be 12 when these chemo treatments have (hopefully) come to an end. It is hard to comprehend for me - let alone a child. If I’ve learned anything through the years it’s that the name Baker stands for resilience, strength, determination, and courage. All words that describe this sweet and funny 10-year-old that I truly think of as one of my own. She’s my daughter’s BFF, she’s a free-spirited niece and cousin, she’s an affectionate and loving grand-daughter, and most of all – she’s a Baker. She is Kevin and Lauren’s sweet, sweet daughter. She is Lily, Macy and Rori’s thoughtful, loving and respected sister. This child has so much to give to this world – and she will get to one day - but not before beating this cancer’s a$$. This family has been through way more than any one family should ever have to go through – let alone within just a 4 year time-frame. (First Lauren's MS diagnosis in 2019 and then Kevin's Thyroid cancer diagnosis in 2024. Lauren continues her daily medicine to try to keep her MS at bay, and Kevin has thankfully beat his cancer.) Medical bills, meals, gas, etc. should be the least of their concern as they fight hand in hand with Hadley. So, I’m coming to you once again. Asking that if you have the means to, please help this amazing family as they fight another battle all over again. CaringBridge and LFEBridge sites will be the main ways to stay connected with updates and to send your love and caring thoughts. So please feel free to follow along with Hadley and their journey as she fights this off like any Baker would. Let us not forget in a time like this, what the one and only Mr. Dan Baker would say (and I guarantee is probably saying it right now): All it takes is all you’ve got, Hadley. (And personally, from what I’ve seen – the cancer should be the one who is scared.) Asking for love, support, and prayers for Hadley and the entire Baker family. #HopeForHadley
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