Frankie’s Story: A Year of Courage, Love, and Bright Yellow Hope

One year ago, our world stopped. Our energetic, fun-loving daughter, Frankie, was diagnosed with localized Ewing’s Sarcoma after a month of neck pain and normal blood tests. Hearing the words “your child has cancer” was like stepping into a storm we never saw coming. From that moment, life shifted to a blur of hospital rooms, scans, 14 rounds of chemotherapy, 31 days of radiation, and countless procedures, including the placement of a G-tube so she could get nutrition when swallowing became impossible.

A typical day during treatment was anything but typical. Mornings started with medication schedules and cleaning medical supplies. Some days were spent at the hospital for hours for blood draws, chemo infusions, or radiation treatments. Other days, we were home, helping Frankie through waves of nausea, fatigue, and pain. Inpatient stays often meant days away from home, sleeping in uncomfortable chairs, and finding ways to make a sterile hospital room feel warm.

One of the brightest parts of those days was when her sisters, Georgia and Eloise, joined appointments or visited. Whether in person or through a video call, they made her laugh, kept her company, and helped her feel connected to home. They would explore the halls together, snuggle during quiet moments, support her through the hard parts, and break into TikTok dances that filled her hospital room with laughter.

Despite everything, Frankie stayed Frankie—brave, kind, and determined to find joy. She sang and danced in her hospital room, creating “shows” for her nurses. She made friends with other kids on the floor. She decorated her room with crafts and bright colors. Makeup tutorials and practicing different looks became one of her favorite ways to pass the time, giving her something creative and fun to focus on during long days.

Treatment may be over, but Frankie’s journey isn’t. She is still dealing with the inability to swallow due to post-radiation side effects, and we’re working with her care team to figure out how to help her eat and drink again. It’s another challenge, but one we face with the same determination that carried her through treatment.

PCFLV has been one of the lights along the way. From the moment they entered our lives, they made us feel less alone. They offered emotional support and practical help, but most importantly, they reminded us that our family is part of a community that understands this journey.

The photoshoot with Alison brought together so many things Frankie loves. It took place in one of her favorite stores, surrounded by the colors and makeup she adores. She got to experiment with products, enjoy the experience, and be completely herself. It perfectly reflected the joy she found in small things during treatment and the bright, bold spirit she carries with her now. Every smile in those photos is proof that cancer didn’t steal her light.

Now, as we move into survivorship care, Frankie’s 3-month post-treatment scans showed the best news we could hope for: she is considered “treated.” There are still procedures, scans, and challenges ahead, but we face them with a different kind of strength. Frankie is here. She’s thriving. She’s excited to return to school, see her friends, and be part of her classroom again. She’s even back on the soccer field, running, laughing, and feeling like the active, playful kid she’s always been.

Our journey with pediatric cancer has taught us that hope can be bright yellow, laughter can echo in hospital hallways, and even on the hardest days, joy can win.

Written by Frankie’s mom, Brittany

Please consider helping children with cancer and others in our community by scheduling a blood donation at Miller-Keystone Blood Center: https://donor.giveapint.org/donor/schedules/zip