Brynlee
Age 1 ½
In October 2025, Brynlee McClelland's family had their world turned upside down when their sweet and spunky 1½-year-old daughter was diagnosed with AT/RT (Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor), a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer most often found in young children.
𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 & 𝐒𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐬
In the weeks leading up to her diagnosis, Brynlee’s parents noticed she was vomiting every morning and seemed to be struggling with her balance and walking. Concerned, her doctor ordered an MRI at Nationwide Children’s Hospital to help find the cause.
The MRI revealed the unimaginable: a tumor on her brain. From that moment, everything changed as her family prepared to face the fight of their lives.
𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐬 & 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
Further testing confirmed that Brynlee’s tumor was an ATRT, located in a critical area of her brain. This rare and fast-growing tumor required immediate attention.
Brynlee subsequently underwent a long and complex brain surgery, where surgeons were able to remove 98% of the tumor. The remaining 2% was too close to a major artery to safely remove without risking her life.
Brynlee has just begun the next step in her journey: port placement, a spinal tap, and chemotherapy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Her medical team is focused on giving her the best possible outcome, and Brynlee continues to face each step with incredible strength.
𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲
Despite everything she has faced, Brynlee continues to smile and light up every room she’s in. Her courage, strength, and resilience inspire everyone around her. The community has rallied behind her, standing together in love and faith under the message #BrynleeStrong—a reminder that even the smallest warriors can be the mightiest fighters.
𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞
Brynlee’s family shares her story to raise awareness for ATRT, to spread hope, and to keep their little girl surrounded by love and prayer. They believe in healing. They believe in miracles. And they believe in their unstoppable girl.
💖 Be Brave. Be Strong. Be Brynlee Strong. 💖
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