Hope for Harper: Support Her Brave Battle Against Cancer

Meet my niece Harper: a six-year-old spark of joy, full of life and energy, who’s taken on a big, brave fight against Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). This rare cancer was found in her muscle tissue in her lower back and has spread to her lungs, leading to a stage 4 diagnosis. However, Harper’s facing it all with the strength and spirit that only she could bring.

Over the next 42 weeks, Harper will have weekly chemo treatments. Every 3 weeks, her chemo treatment, will require an overnight hospital stay. This is where she will be getting a heavier dose of chemo and stay overnight to get prevention medicine to the side effects that chemo cause. These additional prevention medicines stimulate the growth of white blood cells in her body as her counts reduce from receiving chemo. After her first 12-week scans, likely radiation will begin at a hospital in Orlando 3-5 days per week, for approximately 4-6 weeks, focusing on her back. Radiation on her lungs will come at a later time, TBD, depending on the progression of chemo.

On November 12th, her port was placed, and her first chemo treatment was administered. While she has some tough moments ahead, Harper’s got her first-grade sparkle and a whole lot of love and support from family and friends to keep her moving forward.

When she’s not at treatments, you’ll find her immersed in everything she loves: drawing, dancing, singing, swimming, and gymnastics. She most recently was accepted into her school’s STEM club, where she’s totally thriving! Harper’s courage and zest for life shine through every step, and her family is right there, dedicated to keeping her days as full and joyful as possible.

With her 7th birthday week aligning with her projected final week of treatment in August 2025, we’re all cheering for a big celebration at the finish line. For now, it’s all about one day at a time, savoring her favorite things, and rallying around Harper as she climbs this mountain. Let’s all stay hopeful, brave, and ready to cheer her on every step of the way.