Jackson Township toddler's cancer recovery gets boost with donated play set
JACKSON TWP. ‒ A big brother's head-butt probably saved little Lilian Weich's life.
Back in May, after complaining of stomach pains after roughhousing with her 5-year-old brother, the 3-year-old girl was diagnosed with nephroblastoma, also known as Wilms' tumor, a rare cancer of the kidneys that primarily affects young children.
According the the Mayo Clinic, Wilms' tumor most often occurs in one kidney, though it can be found in both at the same time.
Lilian underwent surgery to remove her right kidney at Akron Children's Hospital on May 24 and is undergoing chemotherapy.
To celebrate her recovery, the Roc Solid Foundation, volunteers from Howard Hanna Realty offices in Canton, Jackson Township and Green, and other individuals teamed up this week to build a new play set for the toddler.
More: Remembering Jordyn Myers Read about the 33 JordynStrong Foundation.
Diagnosing Lilian Weich's illness
Lilian's mother, Meghan Barnes, said after her daughter complained of stomach pain and "pink" urine back in May, she and Lilian's father, Eric Weich, took her to a pediatrician, who saw no need for an ultrasound.
"At 2:30 in the morning, 80% of her urine was blood," Barnes said.
Barnes said the family frantically raced to Akron Children's Hospital, where doctors initially suspected a bladder or urinary tract infection. An ultrasound, followed by a CAT scan, revealed a large tumor that had all but consumed Lilian's right kidney.
"Akron Children's was phenomenal but it was chaotic," Barnes said. "You're still trying to process being told your 3-year-old has cancer."
Lilian underwent surgery on May 26. The three-hour procedure stretched into "probably the hardest five hours of my life," Barnes said. "But everything went great."
Lilian, who began chemotherapy on June 3, hardly acts like someone with cancer. She is a bundle of energy, running and playing with big brother, Theo, and her new puppy Bumblebee, a gift for being so brave.
While at the hospital, the family consulted with a specialist who gave them a backpack filled with toys and activities from the Roc Solid Foundation, a children's cancer nonprofit based in Chesapeake, Va.
"The Roc Solid Foundation really believes in play helping to fight cancer," Barnes said. "Kids being happy produces positive vibes, which really helps. Roc Solid has been absolutely phenomenal."
Roc Solid, Howard Hanna team together on community projects
Roc Solid and Howard Hanna have partnered on previous charitable projects for children, said Ann Kyner, a Howard Hanna regional vice president.
Kyner said an affiliate office in Virginia reached out to their state president to build a play set for Lilian.
"We're having so much fun," she said.
More: Hanna hosts fundraiserWarm feelings
Kristine Burdick, Howard Hanna Midwest marketing president, said the project is in keeping with its mission. In addition to this effort, Howard Hanna is providing play sets for children fighting cancer in Aliquippa, Pa., and Gordonsville, Va.
Burdick said it's the first play set project they've done in Ohio.
"We're always looking for ways to support families in the community," she said. "We have the Howard Hanna Children's Care Fund. Anything we can do to help."
Local Howard Hanna agent Tina Zenedes said she's also planning to help the family access other assistance.
"I'm chair of our Coats For Kids drive, and we also have a kids' hospital fundraiser," she said.
Barnes said her daughter has experienced some trauma as a result of her treatment. She receives chemotherapy through a chest port.
"She has nightmares," her mother said. "If she sees a pair of blue gloves, or a needle..."
Lilian's prognosis is good, according to her mother. Barring any complications, her last chemotherapy treatment is set for Oct. 14. A party is being planned.
Reach Charita at 330-580-8313 or charita.goshay@cantonrep.com
On Twitter: @cgoshayREP
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Howard Hanna & Roc Solid volunteers build play set for Lilian Weich
