Five-year-old Presley is full of life, bringing her joyful energy to each day even as she undergoes treatment for a Wilms tumor.
She loves being outside, riding her bike, swimming in the pool and making crafts. Curious and energetic, she recently started learning to read and is always on the move. Like most children her age, she fills her days with play, adventure and discovery.
Just a few months ago, life looked completely normal for Presley and her family.
An Unexpected Diagnosis
Everything changed when Presley began experiencing severe pain in her side.
She was screaming and crying from stomach pain, so her parents, Carolyn and Tyler, took her to urgent care. At first, doctors believed constipation was the cause and sent her home with treatment recommendations. When the pain didn't improve, they returned.
This time, they were advised to visit the emergency department at Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital for further evaluation.
During a bedside ultrasound, the emergency room physician noticed something concerning. More tests were ordered, and when the doctor asked Carolyn and Tyler to step outside Presley's room, they immediately knew something was wrong.
Hearing the words that their daughter had cancer was devastating.
Just days earlier, they celebrated Christmas and spent time with family and friends. In an instant, everything changed.
Beginning Treatment
Presley was diagnosed with a Wilms tumor, a rare type of kidney cancer.
Her treatment plan includes surgery, inpatient hospital stays and frequent clinic visits. Along the way, she has faced setbacks caused by infections and illnesses that delayed treatment.
The adjustment wasn't easy. Being confined to a hospital room was difficult for a child who loves to be active, and procedures like port accesses were frightening. But six months into treatment, Presley has found her footing and continues to face each day with remarkable strength and courage.
Support Every Step of the Way
From the moment of diagnosis, Four Diamonds has been there for Presley and her family.
Tyler remembers immediately worrying about how they would manage the financial burden of treatment.
"I told my wife I'd get another job if I had to," he said. "I'd do whatever it took."
Thanks to Four Diamonds, the family has been able to focus on what matters most: caring for Presley.
Beyond financial support, Four Diamonds has connected Presley with child life specialists, music therapy and nurse specialists who help make treatment a little easier.
The nurses have become trusted friends, and child life specialists bring games, activities and opportunities for play that help create a sense of normalcy during long days in the clinic and hospital.
One of Presley's favorite visitors is Devon, a Four Diamonds child life specialist, along with her facility dog, Baron. Presley loves playing games with the staff and often creates artwork to share with them.
Finding Joy in Difficult Days
Life looks very different for the family now.
Their days revolve around treatment schedules, hospital visits and being extra cautious about germs and illness. Yet amid the challenges, they have found support in the people around them.
Friends and family have stepped in with meals, household help and encouragement when they needed it most.
Presley's preschool community has also rallied around her. Her classmates invited her to join them on the playground, and teachers organized a special outdoor graduation so she could safely participate and celebrate alongside her friends.
These moments have made a lasting impact.
The opportunities to play, connect with others and experience pieces of childhood help keep Presley motivated through treatment. She has learned that even when something is difficult, it's worth pushing through.
Holding Onto Hope
A childhood cancer diagnosis changes everything for a family.
The journey is long, uncertain and often overwhelming. But through it all, Carolyn and Tyler continue to look for moments of gratitude and hope.
For Tyler, one unexpected blessing has been the extra time he's been able to spend with his daughter.
Instead of having to get that second job, he's been able to spend time at the hospital playing games with Presley and making memories together.
"I'm soaking up every last minute of it because I don't know what's going to happen," Tyler said. "You don't know what the future holds."
Looking Ahead to Bell Ringing Day
Presley still has several months of treatment ahead of her and hopes to finish by the end of the year if there are no further setbacks.
Until then, she'll continue showing up with bravery, determination and a smile, taking each day as it comes.
Her family looks forward to the day she rings the bell and celebrates the completion of treatment.
One of their earliest memories after diagnosis was witnessing another child ring the bell during one of Presley's first hospital admissions. As they made their way to an inpatient room, they saw a crowd of family, friends and Penn State THON™ students gathered to celebrate.
For a family just beginning their journey, it was a powerful reminder that treatment does come to an end.
"It was comforting to see the community and everybody show up for them and be a part of that," Tyler said.
That moment gave them hope.
Today, they continue moving forward one day at a time, looking toward the moment when Presley will have her own bell-ringing celebration surrounded by the people who have supported her every step of the way.
