Athena’s Story

Age: 12

Diagnosis: Pre-B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia 

Meet Athena, a vibrant 12-year-old fashionista who loves volleyball and spending time with her friends. Her name, meaning “goddess of war and wisdom,” perfectly captures the resilience and strength she has shown throughout her young life. Her mom, Liya, describes Athena as her “sunshine”—a continuous source of light and joy, even in the darkest of circumstances.

In June 2015, just after Athena’s third birthday, what began as subtle signs—a loss of appetite and occasional back pain—soon unraveled into a nightmare for her family. Athena’s mom, Liya, recalls a day that summer when her daughter was playing hide-and-seek. She found little Athena chewing on a sponge and, concerned she had ingested it, grew worried. Later that day, when Athena doubled over with stomach pain, Liya’s concerns deepened, prompting a visit to the emergency room. A CT scan revealed an enlarged spleen and liver, prompting a bone marrow biopsy that led to a diagnosis of Pre-B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (Pre-B-cell ALL). Doctors explained that while this type of cancer is 95% curable if caught early, it can be deadly if left untreated due to its rapid progression. Liya feels extremely fortunate to have brought Athena in for a completely different concern, which led to an early diagnosis and timely treatment, preventing the cancer from advancing further.

Liya, was nine months pregnant when Athena was diagnosed. Yet, in the face of unimaginable fear, Liya never faltered. “How do we save her?” was the first thought that crossed her mind when doctors confirmed Athena’s diagnosis. There was no time for tears, no space for “what ifs”—Liya knew she had to remain strong, not just for Athena, but for the baby boy she was about to bring into the world.

Their extended family quickly rallied around Liya and Athena’s dad, LaMarr. Early in the first month of Athena’s cancer treatment, the family gathered for a haircut party when it was time to shave Athena’s head. Liya’s cousin, who had long hair, shaved his head in support, and many other family members did the same. It was one of the many moments of strong support the family received during Athena’s battle.

The early days of treatment were tough for Athena—she struggled with the chemo meds, often spitting them out or throwing up, and had to learn how to swallow the large pills on her own. Additionally, the steroids administered early in treatment caused discomfort from the swelling and she soon couldn’t walk, requiring physical therapy to regain her mobility. The hurdles were many, but Liya recalls the very first time Athena laughed after that difficult month, calling it “music to my ears.”

One and half months into treatment, Athena’s brother Alex was born, and his cord blood was saved in case Athena would ever need it. Alex brought so much fresh joy into this dark time, but just as the family began to find their footing in their new reality, tragedy struck again. LaMarr, Athena’s father, died suddenly and tragically in an accident only two weeks after Alex’s birth. Liya was thrust into grieving the loss of her partner while still in a battle for her daughter’s life. Liya’s strength became the anchor for her family, her mantra— “I’m not a victim of circumstance but a survivor of life”.

The treatment took a harsh toll on Athena, both physically and mentally. At one point, she became so nauseous that she couldn’t keep food down, leaving her skinny and brittle, with sunken cheeks and dark circles under her eyes. To help, her doctors adjusted her medication, and a nutritionist provided calorie-dense shakes to stabilize her weight. But the battle wasn’t just physical—Athena also faced deep emotional challenges. She often asked, “Where’s my dad?” during the hardest moments, struggling to understand why he was gone and why her body was failing her. Grief therapy helped her process the loss of her father, while child life specialists supported her through the complexities of her illness. Despite everything, Athena kept smiling, often stating, “My daddy wants me to be happy.” Liya believes that LaMarr, though no longer physically present, was with Athena during her treatment as her guardian angel. A veteran of the army, she feels LaMarr is Athena’s personal warrior, offering her strength during the toughest times.

Athena completed her cancer treatment on August 17, 2017, after a little over two years of intense treatment. However, the long-term side effects continue to impact her. She experiences chronic back pain and body aches, especially in cold weather, due to the 17 spinal taps she underwent. Athena, who has a hereditary predisposition to fibromyalgia, is now experiencing early-onset fibromyalgia triggered by her cancer treatment. At school, she cannot carry all her books at once, necessitating extra locker time, and uses a school elevator pass when her legs hurt. She has a 504 plan to accommodate her needs, including extra time for test-taking because of “chemo brain,” which affects her processing speed. Her third-grade teacher has been especially supportive, ensuring that all accommodations are in place and advocating for her throughout her academic journey.

Liya’s hopes for the future of childhood cancer research are rooted in a desire for better, less harsh treatments for children like Athena. She knows firsthand the toll cancer takes not just on the child, but on the entire family. And it is a battle that doesn’t end when the treatment does—its effects linger, physically and emotionally. Yet, through it all, Liya remains hopeful and is now focused on pursuing a career in health information technology. She aims to use data research to advance pediatric oncology and contribute to improving treatments for other children.

Athena’s journey is a story of unimaginable hardship, but also of resilience, love, and hope. It’s a testament to a little girl who fought like a warrior, lived up to her name, and continues to inspire everyone who has the privilege of knowing her. Even as she continues to face challenges, Athena remains a beacon of strength, her smile a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is always light.

Thank you for supporting research. Thank you for giving hope.

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