Kasie

Story

Kasie, 4 Y/O, Broward Health Medical Center

Kasie is a tiny girl with a big beautiful smile that is struggling in her battle with Medulloblastoma – a rare brain cancer. In August of 2014, Kasie began to show signs of fatigue, frequent headaches and dizziness. Initially she was diagnosed with having a sinus infection until October 2nd when Kasie was rushed to the ER from her school because she was vomiting and experiencing extreme head pain. Kasie’s mother was shocked to learn that Kasie had a brain tumor and would soon require emergency surgery.
The tumor was removed successfully but the battle is not over. Kasie’s cancer and subsequent treatment has caused her to lose her ability to walk and function in her normal daily activities. Kasie’s single-mom has been unable to return to work given Kasie’s many various treatment appointments and the 24 hour home care required which has created a financial crisis for the family of 5. The family is weary from the increasing emotional and financial stress but continues to have faith that together Kasie will return to having a normal life.

Needs

Kasie and her family need immediate help to pay for rent, food, utilities and gasoline.

Message from Hospital Social Worker, 3/9/15:

Kasie Baldwin (DOB 10/08/10) is a four year-old pediatric oncology patient at Chris Evert Children’s Hospital/Broward Health Medical Center. Kasie was first diagnosed with Medulloblastoma in October 2014. At that time she underwent surgical resection of her brain tumor and started chemotherapy treatment. She was hospitalized from 10/2/14 – 11/5/14 and her mother, Cecilia never left her side. At this time, Kasie continues to undergo chemotherapy for her diagnosis, which occurs in both the inpatient and outpatient setting several times per month. When she is not receiving chemotherapy, her mother must bring her in to monitor her condition and blood cell counts. She requires home health care to assist with injections at home. Kasie has also completed craniospinal radiation treatment.
Kasie’s diagnosis and subsequent treatment has caused her to lose her ability to walk and function in her normal daily activities. She requires care around the clock, which is provided by her mother. Kasie has been receiving physical and occupational therapy to regain mobility. Kasie’s mother has been supporting her daughter throughout this process and she is slowly recovering. Cecilia, a single mother, was working full time at a school prior to diagnosis, but she has had to take a leave from her employer due to her daughter’s diagnosis. She is in need of assistance with living expenses including rent, utilities, gasoline, and groceries. Any support possible would assist this family in returning to a sense of normalcy as Kasie recovers. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Melissa Stachowiak, LCSW

View Original letter

Plea from Mom, 3/9/15:

I started noticing signs that something was wrong with my daughter Kasie in August of 2014. She was always tired, having headaches and often dizzy. During August and September I took Kasie to our Pediatrician several times and was told that she had a sinus infection and that nothing more could be done.
Soon after, I noticed that Kasie’s head was leaning to the left and her balance was definitely off. Kasie’s school teachers notice that Kasie was not well and that it was affecting her performance. She seemed to be fighting so hard to make herself feel better but it was just not working. I decided to take Kasie to an ENT doctor to see if she had fluids in her ear. The ENT doctor did not see anything and recommended a neurologist. The first available appointment wasn’t until January!
In October, I had to leave work and take Kasie to the Broward Health Medical Center ER because she was vomiting and complaining of a headache at school. The ER immediately knew something was very wrong and ordered bloodwork and CAT scan and admitted into the hospital. Never in a million years would I have thought my daughter had a brain tumor. When they told me, I went from thinking it was bad dream to fear and seeking strength from my faith.
Kasie’s tumor was removed but we are all suffering her change from a normal active 3 year old to a disabled 4 year old. She is getting stronger day by day but it has been rough financially since I have been unable to work and must support my 4 kids. The only thing that keeps us going is Kasie’s strong determination to get her normal life back.

Cecilia Burton

Help a Child Fight Cancer Today

Help a Child Fight Cancer Today

Help a Child Fight Cancer Today

Help a Child Fight Cancer Today

Help a Child Fight Cancer Today

Assisted Children: Individual Stories

4 Y/O Fights Brain Cancer as Struggling Single Mom Pleas for Basic Needs

About

Programs

Partners

Ways to give

News & Events

Resources