Brielle
Hometown: Chesterville, OH
Diagnosis: Wilms Tumor, Kidney Transplant Recipient
Age on Race Day: 14
Brielle was diagnosed with a type of kidney cancer known as a Wilms tumor when she was just 11 months old. She was also missing developmental milestones when it came to walking, talking, and eating.
By 18 months old, Brielle had completed her last round of chemotherapy, undergone surgery to remove both her kidneys and was visiting Nationwide Children's Hospital four times a week for hemodialysis treatment, and had just come to her parents as a foster child.
Following hemodialysis, Brielle transitioned to getting peritoneal dialysis for 10 hours a night, every night, in her home. Once cancer free for two years, Brielle began the process of receiving a kidney transplant. She received a kidney from a living donor through her family’s church.
Today, Brielle is thriving despite her multiple health challenges. After completing an intensive feeding program at Nationwide Children’s, Brielle is able to eat by mouth and has been walking and talking since she was two. She still needs to come to Nationwide Children’s to be followed by various clinics but continues to make huge strides.
In more good news, Brielle was officially adopted by her parents in 2016!
“Nationwide Children’s Hospital not only saved my daughter’s life on multiple occasions, but they also took Brielle under their wing” says Alysia, Brielle’s mother. “I am so grateful they were there for her before I could be.”
Marathon participants will be greeted at Brielle’s mile by her contagious smile and impressive cheerleading skills.
Fundraising for the Nephrology Program Fund
