On November 20th, 2019 our daughter, McCoy, was diagnosed with High Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at just 4 years old. Prior to her diagnosis she was a tenacious, Princess-loving, unicorn-obsessed, typical 4 year-old. She had just begun horseback riding lessons a few months prior and was displaying a natural ability in the saddle and a genuine love for horses. 

After her diagnosis, even the most mundane activities proved to be challenging; it was hard to imagine that she would ever get back to riding horses. McCoy endured almost 3 years of chemotherapy which included high doses of steroids. The steroids would cause intense leg pain that made walking typically very difficult. 

After being declared in remission on her 7th birthday, McCoy attended physical therapy 2 to 3 times a week and wore foot and ankle orthotics to strengthen and lengthen her tendons and ligaments. She began riding again, but her muscle strength and endurance was not that of most children her age. She would get easily frustrated and was often in pain after riding even for short periods of time. McCoy’s fighting spirit (and sheer stubbornness) persevered, and she continued to improve her riding skills. 

Now at 10 years old, McCoy is actively competing with her (equally stubborn and adorable) pony, Oliver Twist! These pictures are proof of McCoy’s dedication and a testament to the hard work it took to get her back to what she loves the most!

Though our children want so badly to be “normal”, the truth is, nothing about their journey is normal. They are faced with immense physical and emotional challenges on a daily basis. PCFLV has provided opportunities for McCoy to be around kids that face the same or similar obstacles. Every time McCoy attends an event, she feels a sense of peace and acceptance. She doesn’t have to explain why things might be a little harder for her, or why she’s “only in 4th grade” (cancer during covid proved especially challenging), or how she got the scar on her chest. All of those things are within the realm of normal for cancer kids! Some of McCoy’s favorite events are the Holiday Stroll, Back to School Bash, and Camp Smile! We are so thankful that PCFLV continues to support McCoy and our family through every phase of our journey. They have been a pivotal part of her healing and growth. 

Please support PCFLV so that other local children can be provided the same opportunities.

Written by McCoy’s mom, Laura

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