Our Heroes, Their Stories

Sean Markley and Diana Riveros share the story of their four-year-old son, Lucas Timothy Markley — a joyful and resilient little boy diagnosed with leukemia in November 2023.

In an instant, their world changed. Yet through every challenge, Lucas has shown incredible strength, meeting each day with courage and a spirit that turns even the hardest moments into hope. With the support of Kids Beating Cancer, the family has found comfort, guidance, and a sense of community during an overwhelming journey. From Lucas’s beloved “Bunky” to the reassurance that they are not alone, these moments bring light during difficult days. By celebrating small victories and holding onto hope, they continue to fight alongside Lucas — believing in his strength, his future, and the brighter days ahead.

Chloe was three years old, just before her fourth birthday, when her family faced the devastating fear of losing her to cancer. After being told treatment would not work, a last biopsy brought a miracle and renewed hope. She endured months of chemotherapy during the pandemic, supported by the love of her family and Kids Beating Cancer, who brought comfort and joy even in the hospital. Today, every moment with Chloe is cherished, a powerful reminder of resilience, gratitude, and hope.

Kensley was just two years old when her parents faced the devastating diagnosis of leukemia after what seemed like a minor injury. Told to prepare for the worst, she endured intense chemotherapy that tested both her strength and her family’s hearts. Against all odds and statistics, Kensley has thrived, showing remarkable resilience and joy. With the support of Kids Beating Cancer, she has been able to simply be a child again, becoming a powerful symbol of hope, strength, and the urgent need to fight pediatric cancer.

Leila was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma in July 2017 after recurring fevers led doctors to discover a mass. She endured intense chemotherapy, a ten-hour tumor removal surgery, stem cell transplants, and long hospital stays that left her without an immune system. Throughout her treatment, Kids Beating Cancer provided critical support, from food and gifts to emotional care and connection with other children. Leila formed deep friendships during her journey, including a meaningful bond with a friend she was able to visit for a final birthday. Her story highlights both the resilience of children facing cancer and the urgent need for better-funded, gentler treatments for pediatric patients.

Leo is a joyful, energetic little boy who loves monster trucks, but his childhood was abruptly changed when unexplained symptoms led to a diagnosis of blood cancer. His family was overwhelmed by fear yet inspired by Leo’s resilience and strength as he bravely fights his illness. With the support of Kids Beating Cancer—through emotional connection, access to treatments, and comforting gifts that let Leo feel like a kid again—the family found hope and reassurance during an incredibly difficult time. Leo’s courage has reshaped their perspective on life and strengthened their belief in the importance of supporting pediatric cancer research.

Mabel “Baby Spice” Breck was just two years old when a family beach vacation turned into a nightmare after an earache led to a cancer diagnosis. The following months were consumed by hospital visits, fear, and uncertainty, with her family wondering if she would even reach her next birthday. Through it all, Mabel’s fierce independence, joyful spirit, and close bond with her older brother helped carry the family forward. With the support of Kids Beating Cancer, they found hope, community, and moments of normalcy in a safe, loving environment. As Mabel moves toward ringing the bell, her family remains committed to fighting for better treatments, more research, and a future where no parent has to hear the words, “your child has cancer.”

Amelia was born with Diamond Blackfan Anemia. In 2022 she received a bone marrow transplant from an unrelated donor at the Kids Beating Cancer Pediatric Transplant Center. Amelia has been a fighter since she was a baby and proved that even more during the transplant. Her positive attitude, strength and determination shone through every day and gave everyone around her joy. She continues to see life as a bright ball of opportunity to live her best version of life. When asked, she says she wants to be many things…. a teacher, an artist, a doctor, a therapist. Amelia met her unrelated anonymous donor on stage at the 2023 Hats & Heroes Ball for the very first time!

Adrian was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at AdventHealth for Children. He gets chemo treatments regularly in the hospital and takes oral medications daily. He enjoys making clay sculptures and playing on his oculus. He has returned to competing in Taekwondo tournaments and training classes. Adrian is a great helper for anyone who needs a hand. He’s looking forward to starting his own YouTube channel and creating his own video games when he’s older.

Paislee was diagnosed July of 2022 with High-Risk B Cell ALL (Acute Lymphatic Leukemia) at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. Paislee loves to spend her time playing with her sister. They love to color and tumble around and dance the night away. Paislee enjoys playing in her pretend kitchen, whipping up dinners for the whole family and if she isn’t being a master chef in her kitchen then she is being a wonderful mommy to all her baby dolls.

Grant was diagnosed at 11 months old with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). He received a chord blood transplant from his infant brother, Wyatt at the Kids Beating Cancer Pediatric Transplant Center.  Grant loves playing outside and being silly with his best friend, and marrow donor, his brother Wyatt. His “My Room” theme was Toy Story. He is the best big brother and is always watching out for his little brother “Wabs” (Wyatt).

Brady was 7 years old when he was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia. In 2019, Brady received a transplant in the Kids Beating Cancer Pediatric Transplant Center. His older sister Madeline was his marrow donor. Brady’s favorite sport is basketball. His “My Room” theme was the Orlando Magic. Brady will continue to show his huge heart and energy to the world.

Scarlett and her mom tell the story of Scarlett’s journey through treatment and two transplants at the Kids Beating Cancer Pediatric Transplant Center at AdventHealth for Children. Scarlett was able to meet her anonymous donor, Alayna, during the 2021 Kids Beating Cancer Hats & Heroes Ball in Orlando.

Fiona’s Story of receiving a bone marrow transplant at the Kids Beating Cancer Pediatric Transplant Center at AdventHealth for Children, before she gets to meet her life saving donor at 2019 Kids Beating Cancer Hats & Heroes Ball in Orlando.

Michael battled multiple health conditions — a congenital heart defect, a rare autoimmune disorder and Lymphoma. In November 2016, Michael underwent a bone-marrow transplant at the Kids Beating Cancer Pediatric Transplant Center. None of Michael’s relatives were a match for the transplant, but physicians did find a match in an anonymous donor across the country. In September 2018, Michael met his life-saving donor for the first time — 21-year-old Laura, who traveled from Seattle, Washington to meet him.

Every year, thousands of children face a cancer diagnosis, each carrying a story of fear, strength, and hope. Grayson and Jay are two children whose journeys intertwined at the Kids Beating Cancer Pediatric Transplant Center, where friendship helped them endure life-threatening treatments. Grayson battled recurring Hodgkin’s lymphoma before a successful stem cell transplant gave him renewed life, while Jay faced relapses, severe infections, multiple surgeries, and the loss of his arm so he could receive a lifesaving bone marrow transplant from his father. Through advanced medical care, unwavering courage, and the support of Kids Beating Cancer, both boys were given another chance to live—showing the life-changing power of innovation, compassion, and hope.

Mandy was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma in November 2011, had six rounds of high-dose chemotherapy, a 10-hour tumor re-section, two autologous (self) stem cell transplants at the Kids Beating Cancer Pediatric Transplant Center at AdventHealth for Children in Orlando on May 21, 2012 and on July 18, 2012, radiation and six months of antibody therapy. Mandy was off treatment for almost two years when she relapsed in March 2015. She received an additional 22 cycles of chemotherapy before succumbing to her disease. Mandy loved to sing, do ballet, arts and crafts and play with her American Girl® dolls.

Cashmere, was diagnosed with leukemia in October 2013 and finished chemotherapy treatment in February 2016. Cashmere relapsed with leukemia in July 2016 after a bone marrow biopsy. She received a bone marrow transplant in December 2016 at the Kids Beating Cancer Pediatric Transplant Center from an unrelated donor. She was a free spirit with a lot of pizzazz. She loved to dance, dress up and be an artist. She wanted to grow up to be a child life specialist. She loved to play with her American Girl Dolls®, Grace and Lea, and visit the princesses at Walt Disney World.

At the age of two, Mikala was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), went into remission and then was diagnosed at age 15 with myelodysplastic syndrome. She was the 12th child transplanted at the Kids Beating Cancer Pediatric Transplant Center at AdventHealth for Children Orlando, previously known as Florida Hospital for Children. She was the first patient to receive an unrelated donor transplant on June 21, 2012. Mikala met her anonymous donor at 2014’s Hats & Heroes Ball in Orlando.

Theo was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome. He was the 13th child to be transplanted at the Kids Beating Cancer Pediatric Transplant Center on August 9, 2012 and the second patient to receive an unrelated donor. Theo was in the Kids Beating Cancer Transplant Center at AdventHealth for Children Orlando, previously known as Florida Hospital for Children, for 263 days. He received years of dialysis three days a week while he awaited for a kidney transplant. Theo succumbed to his disease after receiving a kidney transplant.