All in for Annie

Annie Swisher is a Warrior Princess because her Mama is a Warrior Mama. Here is their story...

Annie has been through so much in her 8 short years on this earth. She has already overcome brain cancer once at the very young age of 5. This little lady faced this challenge with a fierce spirit and a determination that even the strongest amongst us admire. 

Not only has Annie battled cancer, but many of her close family members have embarked on their own tremendous journey with cancer. Annie was fighting cancer at the same time as her amazing Mama, Kelly. They both triumphed through, like the Warriors they are.  Unfortunately, Annie lost her Aunt Erin and her Grandpa to cancer after their own courageous battles. 

As part of Annie's follow-up, she goes to the doctor for regular well checks. In the last few months a regular check-up, the doctors found a tumor that was determined to be malignant. Luckily, Annie was accepted into a trial and an immediate surgery was scheduled with a specialist from Oregon. This was an exciting opportunity for Annie, as this specialist provided an opportunity to perform the surgery with a special dye that would clearly identify the impacted parts of the brain. However, due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the specialist could not be flown to DC for the surgery.  The team, and Kelly, had a tough decision to make. Considering the risk, the decision was made to push back surgery for a few weeks until the world became a little safer.  As the weeks have passed a new scan was run. Unfortunately, the cancer in her brain continued to grow at a very aggressive rate and as of last week she has a new tumor that has developed in her brain.  The team has decided she can no longer wait. So, she will now return to the hospital this week for brain surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible, with careful precision to minimize the chance for permanent damage to her already fragile brain.  Surgery is scheduled for Wednesday with Kelly and Annie hoping to be back home by the weekend.  After the surgery is over she will begin immunotherapy, radiation and will be a part of a few new trials.  The goal is to slow down the spread and give her time to hopefully become cancer-free. The weeks and months ahead will be grueling and Kelly will need our love as she prepares herself for the fight of her life, helping her precious Annie to be strong and keep fighting for her life.  As the doctors put it...make her life GRAND!  

While we have no idea what the future may hold, we want to help Kelly make Annie's life so VERY, VERY GRAND! Kelly mentioned taking Annie and Will across the country on a camping extravaganza. Giving them some quality time to spend together as a family and opportunities to see so many parts of the country. But, most importantly, to make memories together that will last the 3 of them forever in their hearts. Please consider helping us raise money to create memories for this family that so many of us love.