On September 5, 2019, baby Lillian Grace Borden was born.
It was a normal birth following 39 weeks of gestation which is why her parents were shocked when doctors informed them that Lily had brain cancer and had to start fighting as soon as she got into his world.
Her GoFundMe page description explains the situation further: “A nurse noticed some small clue that something was wrong. Lily wasn’t moving her limbs quite right. She notified an orthopedic specialist who agreed something wasn’t right. They ordered an MRI and there it was—an ominous spot on her brain stem.”
Lily was then whisked off to NICU with a breathing tube and gastric feeding tube placed on her.
“No one had ever seen an MRI quite like this, so they consulted with UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. Arrangements were made, and Lily and I were flown to Oakland on a medical transport plane,” the page stated.
The tumor had spread down her spinal cord below her shoulders by this time. The tumor was already a stage 3-4 malignant glioma. The doctors had to let the parents know the sobering prognosis especially since it was believed to be inoperable.
“A tiny ray of hope existed in a recently approved targeted chemotherapy for tumors of a certain genetic makeup. But they needed to act fast if there was to be any chance of saving Lily,” the page read.
More time was lost as they had to wait for the approval for the genetic testing by the insurance company before they could start the new therapy. But Lily finally started the brand-new therapy on October 2 and reacted well to it. Even from the very first session, the tumor already started to shrink.
“By the time the second round of treatment was scheduled three weeks later, they had received approval for the targeted therapy. Her first MRI three weeks after use of the targeted therapy showed NO SIGN OF THE TUMOR,” the GoFundMe page said.
Although it was already possible for Lily to be taken home in November, her sessions went on for three more weeks.
Finally, to signify the successful conclusion of her treatment, Lily rang the bell along with her emotional mom on January 25, 2020.
A touching video of the moment was shared by Leann Borden on Facebook, captioned with: “To everyone who has been through this journey with us, this is our big moment with Lily! We thank everyone who has been with us this whole time. From all of the donations, text messages and prayers. We hope you enjoy this video! And now her name will be hung forever.”
Replaced!