Robbinsdale Girl Survives Cancer, Fights Back
Brooklyn Vaith is almost 6 years old, and like most kids she loves to play. However life hasn’t been easy for Brooklyn.
“Before she was diagnosed she was just very tired,” says Michelle Vaith, Brooklyn’s mom. “She was super lethargic just wanting to sleep day and night. That’s just not common for a two year old. Also, her legs just started hurting and she was very listless. She wouldn’t respond, she was kind of dull and not her spunky two year old self.”
Diagnosed at Two and Half
At just two and a half years old, Brooklyn was diagnosed with leukemia. The next two and half years of her life were spent fighting the disease.
“At the time you just buckle up and get in and go,” added Michelle. “You can’t change it without doing whatever you’re doing to get rid of the cancer.”
While Brooklyn’s form of cancer didn’t require any radiation, the treatment was very hard on her body and the medicine wasn’t exactly easy for a child to take. Brooklyn took her last round of treatment last year.
”When she went to kindergarten, there were parents walking out and saying I can’t believe they are growing up so fast,” added Michelle. “I will never think that. I am so happy and proud for her that she gets to experience those milestones because not everybody gets to. We’ve seen other kids on the other side that haven’t been as lucky. You feel a little bit of guilt honestly coming out on this side and being able to watch our kid grow up.”
Giving Back
Now, Brooklyn and her family are doing their part to give back to organizations like The Great Cycle Challenge which helps raise money for child cancer research. Brooklyn is still working to ride her bike without training wheels.
For more information about the Great Cycle Challenge click here.
