Northern Nevada Children's Cancer Foundation
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3550 Barron Way #9a • Reno, Nevada 89511
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Haley
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About This Warrior

From diagnosis to victory: Haley’s battle with Burkitt’s Lymphoma at 17 was a journey of courage and resilience. Supported by NNCCF, she triumphed over surgeries, chemo, and setbacks. Today, as a pediatric oncology nurse, she’s a fierce advocate for young cancer warriors while inspiring strength and determination through sharing her own journey.

Tell us about your journey

“I was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma in 2015 at the age of 17, right before the start of my senior year in high school. I was treated at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, away from home, and had to be careflighted there a few times. I had a tumor on my intestines and had to have an initial surgery to remove the tumor. Due to the tumor being larger than they originally thought, I ended up having to have an ostomy bag in order to give my intestines time to heal. I had 5 rounds of chemotherapy at UCSF but was hospitalized many times in Reno in between treatments due to complications, including neutropenic fevers and seizures. After 6 months of chemo, multiple surgeries, having to be in a wheelchair due to being so weak, and having multiple seizures, I was told I was cancer-free! Today, I still have long-term side effects from the treatment I received.
While going through treatment, I appreciated everything that my nurses did for my family and me. I also became extremely passionate about advocating for childhood cancer. Today, I am a pediatric nurse at Renown and absolutely love taking care of pediatric oncology patients, sharing my story with them, and being able to relate to them on a deeper level.”

How has NNCCF impacted your journey?

“NNCCF has been there for me and my family both emotionally and financially. Throughout treatment, they were able to help pay for medical bills, as well as travel expenses for having to be treated out of town. They also always welcomed us with open arms whenever we needed someone to talk to or a shoulder to cry on. Throughout college, I received the Inspire Scholarship, which helped me achieve my goals of getting a nursing degree and getting my dream job as a pediatric oncology nurse. To this day, I still feel so welcome around everyone at NNCCF, and I know that whenever I need them, they are there for my family and me. NNCCF has also helped me connect with other young adult cancer survivors and fighters and helped me to make new, amazing friends. The cancer community is not one anybody would ever want to be part of, but NNCCF helps to make it a great community and family.”



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3550 Barron Way #9a Reno, Nevada 89511
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