Bailey is a three-year-old girl whose life was forever changed by sudden, severe headaches.
It began with mild pains and occasional vomiting, which were initially dismissed as minor illnesses, but it quickly became clear something was terribly wrong.
One early morning, Bailey woke crying, holding her head, in unbearable pain.
Her parents knew this was more than a simple headache and rushed her to the emergency room.
While waiting, she vomited again, and doctors decided to perform a CT scan to investigate.
The scan revealed an abscess in her brain, suspected to be a neoplasm rather than simple fluid accumulation.
Immediate transfer by ambulance was arranged to a specialized children’s hospital, as her condition was urgent and critical.
On the ambulance ride, Bailey experienced a seizure, her left foot twitching uncontrollably, a terrifying indication of the severity of her illness.
Once at the hospital, an MRI confirmed a large tumor in the supratentorial area of her brain, surrounded by fluid, pressing against other vital structures.
Neurosurgeon Dr. Jason Blatt scheduled immediate surgery for the next morning, moving his personal schedule to ensure Bailey could be operated on without delay.
The following day, Dr. Blatt performed a grand total removal of the tumor, carefully excising even the tumor wall to prevent recurrence.
Bailey was placed on a ventilator in the Pediatric ICU, her tiny chest rising and falling with each mechanical breath, fighting to regain control of her own breathing.
During the night, she attempted to pull the breathing tube out twice, showing her stubborn spirit even in extreme weakness.
The next morning, the ventilator was removed, and she uttered her first words after surgery: “popsicle!” — a small moment of joy amidst immense struggle.
Bailey could not yet stand or walk properly; her left leg was weak due to the aggressive tumor removal and surrounding tissue excision.
Despite this, she could move her hands and even feed herself yogurt, small victories that brought hope to her family.
She was moved from the ICU to the Children’s ward, where she could play, paint, and interact with Child Life specialists, regaining some semblance of normal childhood joy.
Administering medication was initially traumatic, with Bailey resisting and needing gentle restraint, creative encouragement, and even ice cream to take her necessary drugs.
Within days, she began taking her medication independently, demonstrating resilience and determination despite the pain.
Physical and occupational therapy were initiated to help her regain strength and mobility, with progress being slow but steady.
Her recovery was complicated by the side effects of steroids, which made her irritable and frustrated, but these were gradually tapered off.
Weeks later, pathology results revealed a Supratentorial Anaplastic Ependymoma with ZFTA fusion, a grade 3 aggressive, cancerous tumor — devastating news for her family.
Despite the heartbreak, her medical team quickly outlined a treatment plan with high-dose proton radiation, requiring specialized equipment in Jacksonville.
Before starting radiation, Bailey needed a PICC line, another MRI, and a spinal tap to ensure no cancer cells remained in her cerebrospinal fluid.
Her parents prepared to drive her daily for treatment, balancing the care of her siblings while trying to maintain normalcy at home.
Through every procedure, hospital stay, and painful moment, Bailey displayed extraordinary bravery.
She smiled, laughed, and found joy in small moments, even while enduring treatments that would overwhelm many adults.
Her journey is a testament to the resilience of children, the tireless dedication of parents, and the courage it takes to face life-threatening illness at such a young age.
Every hospital visit, every sleepless night, every procedure and medication highlights the power of love, hope, and unwavering determination.
Bailey’s story reminds the world that even the smallest among us can possess incredible strength and inspire those around them.
Her courage, perseverance, and ability to find joy amid pain have touched countless hearts.
She teaches lessons about resilience, the importance of advocating for care, and the power of compassion from medical teams, family, and friends.
Even in the darkest moments, Bailey shows that hope can exist alongside fear, and that love and bravery can overcome despair.
Her family cherishes every small milestone: taking a step, holding a paintbrush, or smiling through discomfort, knowing each moment is precious.
The coming weeks of proton radiation will be challenging, but Bailey faces them with the same bravery that carried her through surgery.
Her story is not just about illness but about courage, determination, and the extraordinary spirit of a little girl refusing to be defined by her disease.
Through all the fear, pain, and uncertainty, Bailey shines as a symbol of hope, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between a child and her devoted parents.
💛 Brave, resilient, and inspiring beyond her years.
