childhood cancer warrior: meet dylan

For nearly a decade, Sky High for Kids has had the privilege of watching Dylan grow from a young girl facing a pediatric cancer diagnosis into a thriving college student, advocate, and survivor. Over the years, Dylan has shared updates on her journey with our community and we’re proud of commitment to helping children facing the same challenges she once did.

Age 11

Written as Dylan prepared to start 6th grade.

I’m an 11 year old girl starting 6th grade at Woodcreek Middle School. I love school, sports, and my pet lizard, “Ollie”. My life is pretty good, however, none of it would be possible without the help of Texas Children’s Hospital.

On November 17, 2016 I was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma in my right heel. Bone cancer! I’d been having some pain in my right foot for quite awhile. Initially, the doctors chalked it up to growing pains. You see, it’s common for tall children to have growing pains as their heel bones don’t grow at the same rate as the growth of muscles and ligaments in their legs. In the fall of 2016, the pains had not gone away, and my ankle had swelled enough for my mom to schedule additional tests to determine what was going on. Let’s just say we were not expecting to be referred to a pediatric oncologist at that visit.

I had cancer! And the fight of my life was in front of me. Once we determined what we were dealing with, we met with the Oncology team at Texas Children’s Hospital. And while the suggested treatment was a bit much to swallow, I was determined to take it on with all the strength I could muster. I had a choice, I could choose to focus on the “why me”….or choose to focus on the “why not me”. Let’s just say I chose the latter.

For the next 18 months, I completed 14 hospital stays for intense chemotherapy, countless blood transfusions, three emergency room visits due to infection, my right foot was amputated, and I went through numerous rounds of physical therapy to learn to walk again.

During this treatment, I became interested in pediatric cancer and why there was not a cure. What I found was that the funding for pediatric cancer research is pathetic. Less than 4% of government funding for cancer research is allocated to kids. That’s why organizations like Sky High are so important. They not only contribute to research and treatment facilities such as Texas Children’s Hospital, but they also benefit organizations that help patients and families deal with the many challenges that come with treatment.

I was one of the lucky ones. It’s crazy to say that after recalling what I’ve been through, but I am truly lucky. I beat cancer and have a good chance at a long and healthy life. Unfortunately, many stories of pediatric cancer don’t end as well as mine. Along my journey, I have met many friends fighting this horrible disease that did not end up as lucky as me. Some are still fighting…and some are not.

Age 16

Five years later, Dylan reflected on her experience and the responsibility she felt to advocate for other children facing pediatric cancer.

I’m a 16 year old sophomore at Summer Creek High School. I love school, club volleyball, and hanging out with my friends. My life is pretty good, however, none of it would be possible without the help of Sky High and Texas Children’s Hospital.

I was one of the lucky ones. It’s crazy to say that after recalling what I’ve been through, but I am truly lucky. I beat cancer and have a good chance at a long and healthy life. Unfortunately, many stories of pediatric cancer don’t end as well as mine.

Along my journey, I have met many amazing friends fighting this horrible disease that did not end up as lucky as me. Some are still fighting…and some are not.

For this reason, I joined the Sky High Jr. Board with the goal of raising $100,000 by the time I graduate high school. I’m so grateful to everyone who has joined me in this effort.

Age 19 – 2026

Today, Dylan is preparing to begin her sophomore year at Texas A&M University.

Hi! My name is Dylan Probe. I am 19 years old, getting ready to start my sophomore year at Texas A&M in the fall! At Texas A&M I am involved in Student Bonfire, one of the school’s oldest traditions, where I have met many lifelong friends. I am studying Kinesiology in pursuit of going to nursing school. I enjoy working out, listening to music, and spending time with my friends and family.

As a survivor of pediatric cancer, I want to share my testimony with you all.

I was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a solid bone tumor, in my right heel bone in November of 2016. I had cancer. I began treatment in December of that year, my family and I having no idea the chaos that the next year would bring us.

I endured 14 brutal rounds of intense chemotherapy, blood transfusions, hospitalizations due to fevers, and the amputation of my right leg. I finally finished my treatment and rang the bell in September of 2017. Once my body had taken time to recover from chemotherapy, I got my first prosthetic in December of 2017.

While that year was the hardest thing I’ve had to experience, I know I am stronger because of it.

As of September 2026, I will be 9 years cancer free, and officially cured for 4. While this road has not been an easy one, it is one that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I have learned lessons of personal growth, resilience, and determination through my struggles of life after cancer and all that it throws at you.

I am so grateful to say that I am doing well, on my own journey of finding my place in this world, and embracing my differences.