BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- DIAGNOSIS:

McKaylee was found to suffer from anaplastic astrocytoma in June 2008.

MCKAYLEE’S STORY: McKaylee was a fussy baby. At first, her doctor thought she had acid reflux. But nothing seemed to bring the baby relief. Then, when McKaylee was just 7 months old, a CT scan showed she had fluid on the brain. Her parents were relieved because this condition could explain McKaylee’s fussiness.

Doctors scheduled a surgery to insert a shunt that would drain the fluid and relieve the pressure McKaylee felt. But just before McKaylee went into surgery, an MRI revealed a brain tumor.

The doctors believed the tumor was benign, and told McKaylee’s family they would monitor it. But, during a follow up visit several months later, McKaylee’s family learned devastating news—the tumor had grown significantly and it was not benign. A biopsy revealed the tumor was actually a rare and aggressive malignant tumor called anaplastic astrocytoma.

Just days after McKaylee’s first birthday, her family was at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. But in the midst of such overwhelming news, her mother felt a sense of calm upon arriving at St. Jude. “Seeing the hospital for the first time was just awesome,” she said. “I had chills. I knew it was a life-changing moment.”

AT ST. JUDE: McKaylee started chemotherapy treatment immediately. Her protocol will last for approximately 15 months. “McKaylee is not scared or apprehensive about anything at the hospital,” her mom said. “She knows her routine now. It’s amazing to me how resilient kids are.”

McKaylee’s family is so grateful for the people who help support St. Jude. Not having to worry about the costs associated with McKaylee’s care has allowed her family to focus on their precious McKaylee. “Watching McKaylee go through chemotherapy has been hard,” said her mom. “But meeting patients here, that’s changed the face of this tragedy because there’s so much support. That’s definitely been a positive thing.” McKaylee loves to lavish her baby dolls with kisses and hugs, and she adores her older brother. McKaylee has a play kitchen at home and delights in making ‘food’ for her family.