Our Heroes, Their Stories

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 will met her unrelated anonymous donor on stage at the 2023 Hats & Heroes Ball for the very first time!

Cyrus was diagnosed with b-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia when he was just three years old at AdventHealth for Children. He’s one minute older than his twin sister. Cyrus’ favorite things, taking music lessons from his big sisters, the color orange, and any outside adventures he can go on, especially camping and going to the beach. When he grows up, he wants to be a fireman at Station 10, just like his dad.

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).

Scarlett and her mom tell the story of Scarlett’s journey through treatment and two transplants receiving 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.

Celebrating 25 years of helping kids beating cancer. Saving Lives — One Transplant at a Time.

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. Since she last relapsed and die 22 more cycles of chemotherapy. 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 12^th 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. Today, Mikala is attending Rollins College and is a Kids Beating Cancer ambassador.

Theo was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome. He was the 13^th 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.