“When we found out Four Diamonds was going to cover all of Blakely’s medical costs, we were overwhelmed with emotion. They lifted that burden so we could focus on Blakely and her health.” – Spencer, Four Diamonds dad to Blakely
In July 2024, Four Diamonds child Blakely Kling was a typical 1½-year-old little girl. She was full of life and energy. She began walking at just 10 months and showed early development in many areas. She especially loved spending time outdoors, enjoying activities like golfing and fishing with her dad, Spencer.
Then, suddenly, things took a turn. Blakely began having trouble walking—favoring one leg and avoiding weight on the other. She had intermittent, low-grade fevers. Eventually, she stopped walking altogether.
Spencer and his wife, Tori, took her to the orthopedic center for X-rays, but the results showed no abnormalities. Her leg was placed in a cast, and they were told to continue monitoring her.
A few days later, with no signs of improvement, they sought a second opinion. This time, the X-rays were ordered further up her leg. The images revealed something—but the doctors couldn’t identify it—so they ordered bloodwork.
Within an hour, Spencer and Tori received two urgent phone calls. Both doctors told them to take Blakely to the hospital immediately. At that moment, they knew something was wrong.
When they arrived at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, the family was taken to a counseling room. There, they received the devastating news: Blakely had B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-cell ALL).
It was an overwhelming shock. What they didn’t know was that the next 14 days would bring three blood transfusions, two platelet transfusions and port placement surgery.
“It was so much to take in at one time,” said Tori.
As they were still trying to process the diagnosis, their Four Diamonds social worker, Aubrey, came in to meet them.
“When Aubrey told us we wouldn’t have to pay for any of Blakely’s treatments, it was very emotional,” said Tori. “I can’t imagine how we would have paid for this without support from Four Diamonds.”
Blakely responded well to her initial treatments, and a long-term care plan was established. Alongside chemotherapy, she began physical therapy to relearn how to walk. The steroid treatments caused her to gain nearly 10 pounds—extra weight she worked hard to shed.
Through it all, Four Diamonds was there.
“It’s even the little things,” said Tori. “Four Diamonds pays for the cream for Blakely’s port, and they provide meal vouchers for Spencer and me when we need to stay at the hospital. We were actually there over Christmas, and Four Diamonds made sure Blakely had presents under the tree. They really do it all.”
Spencer added,
“The level of care is top-notch. A few years ago, when we were house-hunting, this area wasn’t even on our radar. But now I know we ended up here for a reason—this was part of the plan. If you’re battling childhood cancer, there’s no better place to be than with Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.”
A highlight of their journey was discovering Penn State THON™.
Spencer and Tori first heard about THON at the hospital and asked Aubrey to explain. Soon after, they were paired with two organizations—Army and Navy ROTC—and invited to attend THON Weekend 2025.
“Blakely loved THON Weekend,” said Spencer. “She talks about it at least once a week. Her favorite part was meeting the Penn State Nittany Lion mascot!”
Blakely Today
Today, Blakely is in long-term maintenance. She takes at-home chemotherapy every day, steroids as needed, and visits the hospital once a month for counts. Every three months, she undergoes spinal taps.
She is scheduled to ring the bell in October 2026, a moment that will signify the end of her treatment.
“At this point, she’s a pro,” said Spencer. “When it’s time to visit the hospital, she knows the drill. We have a bag full of toys and comfort items that are only used for hospital visits. As hard as it is, we try to make it fun for her—because we know she feeds off our energy.”
Despite everything she’s faced, Blakely hasn’t changed. She still has a heart of gold, a caring spirit, and a contagious smile. She’s now a big sister and loves helping care for her baby brother.
And when she grows up?
Blakely says she wants to be a surgeon.
“She is so strong,” said Tori. “We know there are big things in store for her.”
