Childhood Cancer Warrior Spotlight: Addie

Addie’s Journey: ALL for Addie

Addie, a vibrant and determined 9-year-old, is a shining example of courage in the face of adversity. Born with a competitive edge and a love for sports, she is known for her sweet spirit, unwavering determination, and, above all, her deep faith in God. Whether it’s her infectious smile, her ability to push through challenges, or the way she inspires everyone around her, Addie has always been a light to those who know her.

But Addie’s journey took an unexpected turn in November 2024, when persistent pain in her left foot, which had been bothering her for months, led her family to push for further tests. After a procedure in which doctors attempted to drain what they thought was a cyst, the issue proved more complicated. The initial procedure failed, and the “spot” remained.

In December 2024, a more extensive surgery was performed to remove the mass. However, on January 3, 2025, the family received the news no parent ever wants to hear: Addie was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Her diagnosis was a Grade 2, intermediate-risk tumor in her left foot.

Despite the devastating news, we chose to face this challenge head-on. We quickly researched the best options for treatment and sought out the expertise of specialized oncologists. It wasn’t long before we were referred to  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 4 days we were on our  way to Memphis, where we met with an incredible team of doctors, nurses, and staff who would become like family during this difficult time.

At St. Jude’s, Addie had resection surgery on January 27th because her 1st surgery had positive margins yet. 3 weeks after surgery she  began an intensive course of 36 rounds of proton radiation. She was given a high dose than they normally give kids towards the end of treatment. Throughout her treatment, she faced pain, nausea, and exhaustion, but she rarely complained. Even when she was confined to a wheelchair and crutches for nearly four months, her positive attitude remained unshaken.

Today, though still battling some numbness and nerve pain, Addie remains strong and hopeful. Doctors have cautioned that her mobility may decrease over time and that her foot may not grow as expected due to the impact of the radiation on the growth plate. Yet, Addie refuses to let this stop her. She continues to inspire everyone around her with her strength and resilience.

One of Addie’s favorite bible versus now is: Be strong and courageous. Joshua 1:9 #AllforAddie