Back in June of 2020, about two weeks after her second birthday, we brought Penelope to the hospital for a swollen black eye. After being transferred to another hospital and a couple of scans, we were told that she has cancer. She had a biopsy done and it confirmed her diagnosis. Penelope was diagnosed with Stage IV, high risk Neuroblastoma. Penelope had undergone 5 rounds of chemotherapy, one round of MIBG Radiation therapy, and one round of immunotherapy during an 8 month period. After all that, the cancer was still quickly progressing. At the end of January 2021, we decided to stop treatment and bring Penelope home. About three weeks later, on February 18th, Penelope passed away at 2.5 years old. She was a strong, positive, independent girl. She always smiled through her treatments and was rarely phased by its effects. She loved helping the nurses and doctors, loved playing with daddy, and loved iced coffee. If she wasn't running around the hospital hallways, she was in her room dancing to music. We miss her and her perfect spirit everyday.
Tomorrows Children's Fund provided toys to Penelope, gift cards for the family, and help with groceries. Even after Penelope has passed, they have continued to help our family by providing bereavement programs and support. Tomorrows Children's Fund brought light during our darkest moments, we are so thankful for everything they do.
