05/22/2026
Somewhere along the way, this hospital became home. ๐
Today we went to visit our sweet Aubree and deliver a little goodie basket while she battles that nasty beast called Ewing Sarcoma once again. Relapse is cruel, unfair, and heartbreakingโฆ especially for kids.
But while we were there, it turned into a little reunion/homecoming for Noah. The minute people realized he was in the building, two of his favorite nurses came running for hugs like no time had passed at all. ๐ฅน
And of course the stories started flowingโฆ
Kim will forever be the reason Noah still loves Cheez-Its so much. There was a point during treatment where he couldnโt keep ANYTHING down. They were trying everything imaginable and nothing worked. Kim went into her own personal snack stash, brought him Cheez-Its, and somehowโฆ those stayed down. So naturally she handed him the whole box. ๐๐
And Stephanieโฆ wellโฆ letโs just say teenage Noah had a full-on crush on her. He wanted to ask her to prom and probably had a few other teenage-boy thoughts too lol. ๐คฆ๐ผโโ๏ธ๐
Thatโs the thing about the pediatric cancer worldโฆ itโs small. Itโs a family nobody wants to join, but once youโre in it, those bonds never leave.
These nurses, doctors, Child Life teams, and fellow warrior families become part of your heart forever. They loved Noah through some of the hardest days of our lives, and years later that love is still there.
And THIS right hereโฆ this is why Stay Strong Foundation exists.
Not for recognition.
Not for applause.
But because these kids become our family forever.
Because once youโve watched a child fight cancer, you never stop fighting alongside them. ๐๐๏ธ
Please keep Aubree and her family in your prayers as they face this fight again.
And if today reminded us of anything, itโs this:
Cancer may be part of their storyโฆ but so is love, laughter, friendship, resilience, and an army of people who refuse to let these kids fight alone ๐
