Help Cassidy Fight Stage 4 Neuroblastoma

On Thursday, May 9th, my five-year-old niece Cassidy was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer called neuroblastoma.

Cassidy is a bright, loving, child- she is full of energy and joy. Before this diagnosis, she showed no symptoms besides an intermittent tummy ache following what was thought to be a stomach virus a few weeks earlier. On May 8th, she woke up in discomfort, refused to eat or drink anything, and complained of chest pain, so my sister Tess took her to the ER. They were admitted to Boston Children's Hospital seven hours later, where she has since received her first round of chemotherapy.

Cassidy’s disease is high risk (equivalent to Stage 4), and she is currently undergoing treatment at Dana Farber/Boston Children’s Hospital. She will be receiving multiple rounds of chemotherapy in order to shrink the tumor before surgery, which will be followed by stem cell transplant, immunotherapy and radiation. Treatment is expected to last two years, much of it inpatient, barring complications.

We are so grateful for all the prayers and positive energy that friends and family have been sending to Cassidy, her mother Tess Wonson (my sister) and her father Fred Crane. They need all the love and support they can get. The financial burden of treatment and all of the associated costs will be significant. Any donations will help cover unanticipated expenses and ensure that Cassidy receives the best possible care and support as she fights against this disease.

Update 6/3/24: Thank you so much to everyone who has shared and donated- every little bit helps. I'm going to continue sharing and will post updates here from time to time.