"She is definitely a really strong kid." – Jackie, Four Diamonds mom to Hailey
Hailey's Cancer Journey Begins
At age 7, after experiencing pain in her leg around her knee, Hailey's parents took her to urgent care to figure out what was going on. While there, they were told there was a possibility she had cancer. The next day, Hailey went to Penn State Health Children's Hospital.
Two weeks later, after many tests and exams, Hailey's family received her official diagnosis. It was determined that she had osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that begins in the cells that form bones.
To fight Hailey's osteosarcoma, she began treatment immediately, and it was all inpatient. During the next eight months, Hailey would spend over 50 nights in the hospital receiving treatment. According to her mom, Jackie, Hailey consistently displayed strength and bravery throughout the whole process. Despite being constantly pricked and examined for chemotherapy and appointments, she remained positive.
“We are so grateful for the excellent care our sweet girl received from the Four Diamonds staff at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. The doctors, nurses, Child Life specialists and therapists were all incredible.” – Jackie, Four Diamonds mom to Hailey
Some osteosarcoma patients will undergo limb sparing surgery to treat their cancer, but due to the aggressive form of Hailey's cancer, they would need to amputate her knee. To allow for more mobility, Hailey had rotationplasty surgery for her amputation. During a rotationplasty, the bottom of the femur, the knee, and the upper tibia are surgically removed. The lower leg is then rotated 180 degrees and attached to the femur. Because it is backwards, it can now function like a knee. To put it in simpler terms, Hailey’s ankle and foot are now her knee!
Recovering from Rotationplasty
After the amputation, Hailey had to relearn how to do everything, starting with walking...all while continuing to undergo treatment. She would spend a year using crutches. Three months after Hailey's surgery, she received a prosthetic leg, but she continued using her crutches. Around six months, Hailey started using only one crutch to move around. Then, a few months after that, she finally stopped using them altogether.
To adjust to her new life with a prosthetic, Hailey worked with a physical therapist for two years. Hailey had to strengthen her leg, hip and core muscles in order to walk and accomplish other activities.
"She was so persistent and dedicated to getting back to being more mobile and active." – Jackie, Four Diamonds mom to Hailey
During physical therapy, Hailey worked on walking, skipping and jogging. Hailey's parents are so grateful for Hailey's physical therapist and are proud of how hard she has worked. It has taken a lot of determination and patience to get to where she is today.
Hailey Shines at THON™
Part of Hailey's recovery has included attending THON weekend. During her first THON weekend, Hailey participated in the fashion show, and the next year, she showed off her flute music during the talent show. Hailey and her family are grateful for all the continued support they have received, especially from their paired organizations, and they are thankful to have found a new "family" in the THON community.
Hailey's favorite part of THON weekend is being on the floor when the dancers stand. She loves the energy and excitement and says it is an awesome experience to be a part of.
Getting Stronger Every Day
Today, Hailey is active in all kinds of sports and activities. She uses her sports leg to run and rock climb. This summer, she tried playing volleyball and waterskiing. When Hailey isn't active outside or on the water, she loves playing her flute or drawing and painting. She is also back in school with her friends and is excelling.
Hailey is very aware of the unfairness of life and how hard it can be, but her mom reminds her to make the best of her situation and to not let it hold her back. Hailey's strength continues to help her succeed in anything life throws at her.
To learn more about how Four Diamonds helps families like Hailey's while facing childhood cancer, click here.