Meet Cecelia

In the summer of 2021, 15-year-old Cecelia noticed an abnormal amount of aching in her body while lying down. When it continued to worsen, she informed her mom, Tonia, of the pain. They decided to give it time, believing the pain would subside. Over the next couple of days, Cecelia noticed the pain would seemingly dissipate just to flair up again. When it became clear her condition was not improving, Cecelia and Tonia went to their local urgent care. Unfortunately, the urgent care could not locate a source of the pain and sent her home.

Two days later, Cecelia worsened significantly when she began vomiting blood. Rushed to Nationwide Children's Hospital, she immediately underwent testing and an answer for her symptoms was discovered. Cecelia was diagnosed with acute leukemia.

“As a mom, hearing this was the worst possible thing I could imagine,” recalls Tonia. Cecelia and her parents were informed that her treatment plan would include immediately beginning chemotherapy.

Over the course of her treatment, Cecelia endured many surgeries as part of her treatment plan. “We felt supported in every way while going through this life altering time,” Tonia shares. “The staff kept us calm and was supportive in every way throughout the process.”

Cecelia, now 18, is in remission. She just recently graduated high school and has plans to further her education and obtain a nursing degree. She finds enjoyment in working and shopping.