When sweet Libbi was only 20 months old, her father, Chris, discovered an unusual lump on her right side. The family knew that something was very wrong with their precious little girl and rushed to Golisano Children’s Hospital. Ultrasound results showed that Libbi had a Wilms’ tumor, which is a type of rare kidney cancer that primarily affects children.

During 2020, Libbi received treatment at Golisano Children’s Hospital, which offers protocols at the same level of excellence as other nationally known centers. “It was a true blessing to have a large facility like Golisano Children’s Hospital near to our home and closer than Miami or Tampa. We were able to drive Libbi over for treatments in just 20 minutes,” said Chris.

In April 2021, on the day Libbi was supposed to ring her bell, declaring her cancer free, her parents noted swelling in her abdomen. What they hoped was a side effect of treatment was devastating. Libbi's tumor had returned. As she started a new round of inpatient treatment, Golisano quickly became the family’s home away from home. “The nurses, doctors, medical assistants and Child Life staff are all amazing. Every single day when we put Libbi in the car for treatments, she would have a smile on her face,” said Libbi’s mom, Stephanie. “They helped my two-year-old feel content, despite spending the majority of her time in a hospital room.” She's spent more than 125 nights this year at Golisano.

For a family in this type of situation, Golisano Children’s Hospital provides the necessary support and resources to help them make it through such difficult circumstances. Funding to meet these needs comes from the hospital’s cancer fund, Barbara’s Friend’s, and the generous donors who ensure no family has to face a cancer diagnosis alone.

Clips for Cancer

Clips for Cancer