Kalina, of Weaverville, NC, was diagnosed at age 5 with a Wilms Tumor, a kidney cancer affecting some of the 17,155 kids in the U.S. diagnosed with cancer each year. Like other children in our community, she went from swimming in our mountain lakes with her younger brother, enjoying camping adventures with her family, imagining all the places she would go to frightening moments that would end this abruptly, weakening her mind, young body, and sweet spirit.

Relapse and harsh surgical, radiation, and chemotherapy treatments left her battered. Then no more treatments were available. At only 8 years old, she left behind a family that will never fully recover from not seeing their sparkly girl grow up. We can do better for children in the future. The Town of Weaverville has committed to recognizing ways to bring awareness and fund this life-altering research.

You can foster the hope of new, less harsh treatments for pediatric cancer, longer and healthier lives, and futures without many of the lifelong side effects today’s patients incur. Together we can make a much-needed change.  MSKs advancements, made possible by your generous support, look to change the trajectory for the future generations that need and deserve more.  Because the future of our children diagnosed with cancer is now, we are confident you are a part of the solution.  Thank you for caring enough to contribute and partner with the Town of Weaverville.