Bailey

On August 8, 2025, Bailey’s family took their sweet three-year-old daughter to the ER after noticing concerning symptoms. A CAT scan revealed a mass in her brain, and from that moment on, it has been a nonstop moving to the next necessary step of treatment.

Her tumor was located in the posterior fossa, the part of the brain that controls balance and coordination, and it was causing hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid and pressure.

On August 11, 2025, after a seven-hour surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital, Dr. Lissa Baird, one of the top pediatric neurosurgeons in the country, successfully removed nearly the entire tumor. Three days later, on August 14, pathology confirmed the diagnosis: AT/RT (Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor), a rare and aggressive brain cancer caused by a genetic mutation, with approximately 70 children in the U.S. diagnosed each year.

Signs & Symptoms

Looking back, the signs had been there in the weeks before her diagnosis. Bailey had small episodes of vomiting, seemed more tired, and was suddenly less fearless than her usual adventurous self. Her eyes became bloodshot, she napped more often, and strands of her hair came out when her mother brushed it.

At first, her parents thought maybe allergies, Lyme, or anemia. Cancer never crossed their minds.

When she began collapsing back onto the couch saying, “My head hurts, Mommy,” her mother knew something was very wrong. A friend mentioned intracranial pressure, and everything clicked. They rushed her to the ER, where a CT confirmed hydrocephalus caused by a tumor blocking fluid from draining down her spine.

Diagnosis

After her surgery, pathology confirmed ATRT in the posterior fossa region of the brain. Bailey’s diagnosis was heartbreaking and unexpected, but her medical team quickly began creating a treatment plan to give her the best possible outcome.

Treatment

Bailey began induction chemotherapy soon after surgery. In just two months, she endured multiple rounds of chemo, a central line placement, a G-tube for nutrition, and a stem cell collection.

She is now undergoing high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue at Boston Children’s Hospital. After this phase, her oncology team will discuss proton radiation therapy as the next step. Bailey’s treatment plan follows the ACNS0333 protocol, which has shown encouraging outcomes for ATRT.

Navigating the Journey

Despite everything she has faced, Bailey continues to radiate light and love. Her beautiful spirit shines bright, and her bravery inspires everyone around her. She is unstoppable, never once complaining, and faces each day with determination and the heart of a true warrior. She is deeply loved by her family, especially her 6-year-old brother, Bodie, and reminds them daily what strength and grace look like.

Our Hope

Bailey’s family shares this inspiring message, "We share Bailey’s story to raise awareness for ATRT, to spread hope, and to keep her surrounded by love and prayer. We believe in healing. We believe in miracles. And we believe in our unstoppable girl—Be Brave Like Bailey."