A teen from Tennessee is going to receive the best Christmas present ever: she will celebrate with her family at home after staying in the hospital for over 500 days.
Her dad, Shawn Cress, said to WCYB: “It’s surreal. You just can’t describe how happy you are.”
It was in June 2018 when 12-year-old Chloe Cress started experiencing pain in the back. She was taken to a hospital where it was discovered that she had a huge mass in her chest area.
Chloe was then flown to St. Jude’s Research Hospital in Memphis where she was told about the heartbreaking news: she had a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Shawn said: “In the beginning, you just hear stage 4 and think ‘Oh my God, my daughter has stage 4 cancer.’”
The young girl was diagnosed with Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare cancer that develops in soft tissue.
Chloe underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy, radiation and eight procedures.
At first, they found it hard to adjust to living at the facility but Shawn said that when his daughter realized she was going to get proper treatment, she then settled in.
After over 500days, she is now free of the disease.
“Thank God my daughter has beat cancer. It’s just crazy. It’s been so long, and you lose hope along the way, but it’s finally over. It’s surreal. You just can’t describe how happy you are. You kind of just keep going through the treatment and wonder when we’re gonna get there,” Shawn expressed.
The family wrote in their GoFundMe page: “Chloe Cress is FINALLY coming home after a long 18 months in Memphis at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Her father Shawn has been by her side the entire time while she kicked cancer’s butt!”
An update reads: “Chloe is so overwhelmed and excited she is trying to figure out what she’s going to do with her gift. A new puppy may be on her list! Thank you guys again!”
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section and SHARE this post with your family and friends!
Replaced!