Violet’s Village

::::UPDATE 2/2023:::

We want to thank you all for your continued support of our Violet girl and ask that any donations moving forward be directed to the link below. 

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Organization allows for a direct donations to fund research for ATRT. 

http://www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/3252773

Due to baby Violet’s recent diagnosis of ATRT - a rare, aggressive cancer of the central nervous system - we are asking the community who knows and loves Victoria and Brandon Kenney to support them through this extremely terrifying time. We appreciate you for showing your love for Violet and the rest of the family. Whether it is a donation or a prayer, it all counts.

Violet’s Story:

The precious Violet Reese Kenney entered the world earlier than expected by her mother Victoria and father Brandon on May 15, 2021. Victoria was 34 weeks pregnant when her water broke and she went into labor, and after a very exciting evening, beautiful baby Violet joined us here on Earth at 4:30AM. Due to her early arrival, Violet spent 3 weeks in the NICU following her birth. Every day Victoria and Brandon sat by her side in the hospital, helping her grow big and strong one day at a time. On June 8, 2021, Violet finally got to go home with her ecstatic parents and they could not have been more thankful.

Victoria and Brandon spent the next three months enjoying every sleeping and waking moment with tiny Violet as she grew, her cheeks growing chubbier and her arms and legs getting the most adorable baby rolls as the days passed. After the three-month mark, Violet started smiling and babbling constantly to the delight of her parents. She was a happy baby who could be easily soothed by her momma and daddy.

At Violet’s 4 month well visit to her pediatrician, a CT scan was ordered for precaution due to an abnormal head measurement. Victoria took Violet to get the CT scan, and before she and baby Violet could settle in back at home Victoria got an urgent phone call from the pediatrician and was told to take Violet directly to the ER at Norton Children’s Hospital in downtown Louisville.

After waiting a long day in the ER, the pediatric neurosurgeon communicated that the CT showed that Violet had a mass of some sort in her brain that was causing hydrocephalus, a build-up of fluid in the brain. He said she would need an MRI to learn what the mass is and she would need immediate brain surgery in order to remove the mass as soon as possible.

On Friday, September 17, Violet underwent a 6-hour brain surgery for the tumor resection. The pathologist reviewing the MRI confirmed that the tumor was malignant cancer.

Following the surgery, Violet stayed sedated and on the ventilator for three days as her body reacted to the surgery with continuous seizures. The medical team monitored her very closely as they tried to find the right balance of medication to stop her seizures and allow Violet to recover from the major surgery peacefully. These days were very difficult for all parties. Victoria and Brandon were faced with knowing their precious daughter has cancer for the first time. Violet was being poked and prodded with needles constantly, still suffering from seizures, and her parents were unable to hold her or comfort her meaningfully while she was still sedated and on the ventilator.

On Monday, September 20, Violet’s team of doctors confirmed that Violet’s cancer diagnosis is ATRT, a rare aggressive cancer of the central nervous system.

The gravity of this diagnosis is this:

• ATRTs can be very fast-growing and often spreads to other areas of the CNS through cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

• The relative 5-year survival rate for ATRTs is 32.2%

• ATRT patients will receive further treatments after surgery, which may include radiation, chemotherapy or clinical trials

Violet’s treatment plan is being formulated now and will begin as soon as she rests and recovers from her major surgery, which could be as soon as two weeks. Victoria and Brandon are figuring out their plan for work and financial stability while also staying at the hospital all day and sleeping at the hospital every night, always by Violet’s side. They know that one parent will need to be available at all hours for Violet as she goes through treatment.

Many of you have asked how you can help. Alleviating the additional financial stress the Kenney family will be facing will allow them to focus their care and attention on Violet, as they begin what is undoubtedly one of the most difficult experiences any parent can have. Please share this fundraiser with others and donate as generously as you can.