This fall was supposed to mark the start of a new adventure for five-year-old Audrey. Her first days of kindergarten. Instead, her family has been navigating an unimaginable journey since she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer.
Earlier this year, Audrey headed to the emergency room at Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton after experiencing bladder infections and blood in her urine. Initial ultrasounds were clear, and antibiotics seemed to help. But when the pain returned months later—so severe her parents feared appendicitis—doctors discovered a mass on her kidney. At first, it was believed to be Wilms tumor, the most common form of childhood kidney cancer. Biopsy results revealed something far more rare and aggressive: a rhabdoid tumor. A geneticist was then brought in to test Audrey’s parents and younger sibling for predisposition to the disease, which added an extra layer of stress to an already extremely stressful situation.
Since then, Audrey has undergone chemotherapy, surgery to remove the mass, and a smooth but gruelling course of radiation. As of this month, she is in the midst of heavy, aggressive chemotherapy that will continue until the end of February. Despite it all, Audrey’s spirit shines through. She’s found joy in riding her scooter, splashing in a kiddie pool, and dancing on the family patio. Her parents describe her as nothing short of remarkable, facing every procedure and setback with courage well beyond her years.
The family has also chosen to turn their personal experience into an investment in hope. With the help of their community, they raised nearly $20,000 and donated it Childhood Cancer Canada to fund lifesaving research and support. “We are in awe of how strong and resilient Audrey has been,” her parents share. “The overwhelming support of family, friends, our employers, and our community has made this difficult journey easier. We are so grateful.”
“Seeing other children and families in hospital without any support has been incredibly eye-opening,” shares Audrey’s dad, Kent, who has shifted to a glass-half-full mindset. “Despite our circumstances, we feel truly blessed to have the support we do. With stays at the Stollery Children’s Hospital every 10–12 days for 3–5 days at a time, I don’t know how we would manage without the people holding us up.”
Though her kindergarten year will look a little different given that some days she may not attend at all, while others she may join for only an hour, Audrey’s resilience reminds everyone around her what bravery truly looks like and she inspires absolutely everyone she meets. While Audrey has good days and bad days throughout her journey, her story is not only one of hardship, but of love, gratitude, and the power of hope. Audrey’s family has a very long and uncertain road ahead of them, but hold tight to the courage, strength and joy that their little girl brings to the world each and every day.
