Azalea’s Post Cancer Treatment Medical Expenses

Azalea Coolidge from upstate NY was diagnosed with Stage 4 MYCN Amplified High Risk Neuroblastoma Childhood Cancer at the age of two on March 7, 2017. She was rushed to Albany Medical Center after a tumor was found in her abdomen by her pediatrician. The tumor was six inches in diameter, eating up her blood supply, encasing vital organs and collapsing her right lung. Azalea was immediately admitted and it didn’t take long for her to end up in the PICU. After her tumor biopsy things took a drastic turn she had to start high dose chemotherapy immediately and have a chest drainage tube placed. There were a few nights where we didn’t know if Azalea was going to make it but thankfully by the grace of God she pulled through. We immediately started searching for the best hospital to treat her particular type of cancer and discovered that Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center sees the most NB cases in the world. After Azalea’s second round of chemo and many traumatizing experiences we made the decision to switch Azalea’s care and headed to NYC.

At MSK Azalea would have four more rounds of high dose chemotherapy, a twelve hour surgery to remove her tumor, radiation to her abdomen, five rounds of Hu3f8 immunotherapy treatments, countless blood/platelet transfusions, drainage tubes, injections, medications, more inpatient and PICU stays than we could count and an experimental Neuroblastoma Vaccine Trial.

Azalea was first declared No Evidence of Disease August 10, 2017 she stayed clear of cancer until October 19, 2018 when a spot was found during routine scans on her upper right arm. This completely shocked us as she had no symptoms of relapse and was on shot 5 out of 7 of the Neuroblastoma Vaccine Trial. She was almost four years old at the time. Her oncologist and team quickly came up with a plan to fight the relapse but this consisted of basically starting over.

Azalea went on to do three more rounds of chemotherapy, radiation to her arm, 5 more rounds of Hu3f8 immunotherapy and the Neuroblastoma Vaccine Trial again. This time her relapse cleared quickly and she was declared No Evidence of Disease on December 24, 2018. She continued with treatment and finished in late September of 2020.

Azalea has officially been clear of Neuroblastoma for three years this December. She is now seven years old and beating the odds. Although this does not mean she is out of the woods. Children with cancer have to be clear of cancer for five years in order to be considered “Cured”. She unfortunately suffers from multiple long term side effects caused by the toxic treatments she’s received. She has severe high frequency hearing loss in both ears, dental problems, learning difficulties, has to be monitored for secondary cancers, heart problems, and so much more. Azalea is currently monitored by scans (Brain MRI, MIBG scan) every three months but that may change soon to every six months. She is also followed by the long term follow up care team which monitor her for side effects and get her the help she needs if any arise. Throughout her struggles she never lets it get to her and always continues to fight with a smile on her face.

This fundraiser was created to help with the costs of going to NYC for Azalea’s scans and other appointments. We are usually there for a week at a time. NYC is extremely expensive especially during the pandemic. All funds raised goes towards transportation, food/drinks, household items, lodging, emergency items while we are there and anything else Azalea needs while away from

home.

we can’t thank you all enough for the constant prayers, love and support you’ve shown us during these last four years. We honestly could not have gotten Azalea the best treatment possible for her disease if it wasn’t for all of you wonderful supporters. It means more to us than you’ll ever know. So thank you from the bottom of our hearts.