Six-year-old Lucy Watters of Seattle has been fighting cancer for more than half her life. She was diagnosed with leukemia on Christmas Eve 2014 and has faced medical hurdles ever since, including a stem cell transplant and a cord blood transplant.
"I think the initial diagnosis is terrifying, life-altering," said Lucy's mother, Nicole Watters. "From a mother's perspective, I think she's missed out on so many things."
However, this summer is a little different, as Lucy has been able to participate in more activities like gymnastics and swimming.
"I think this summer is the first time we've actually been able to be a little free, so we've been doing all the things," said Nicole. "Everything, just because we can."
Lucy first underwent a stem cell transplant after doctors discovered her dad was an exact match -- something that is already a rare occurrence. Fred Hutchinson doctors say most people only have a 30 percent chance of finding a match within their families. So, her family was devastated when Lucy relapsed after her stem cell transplant.
Now it seems a cord blood transplant is showing promise. Cord blood transplants come from a newborn's umbilical cord and placenta. And because the blood comes from new babies, recipients don't have to be an exact match. However, there are limitations, which include longer recovery times and cost.
"The number of stem cells in the cord blood unit is very low," said Dr. Filippo Milano, Fred Hutchinson's Associate Director of Cord Blood Transplantation. "That means that there's a longer period for patients with no counts, no white cells, with no defense, increasing the risk of infection."
Lucy's mom is well aware of a longer recovery. She says Lucy caught just about every bug under the sun during her kindergarten year.
Nicole says her daughter's genetics play a role in her unique case, as fighting leukemia for four years is not a common feat. Lucy's leukemia has a genetic aspect to it that makes it harder to treat. But Fred Hutchinson's expertise in cord blood transplantation is giving her a fighting chance, and it is also the only place the drug Treosulfan is available, which has been vital to Lucy's care.
Nicole says the researchers, doctors, and Fred Hutchinson have been instrumental in her daughter's treatment. Many people have become as close as family. She says no matter how their story ends, Nicole will always fight for more funding for Fred Hutchinson, since only four percent of government cancer funding is dedicated to pediatric cancer.
And though Lucy faces challenges every single day, Nicole says the family tries to be grateful for the perspectives they've shared as a family.
"Lucy has taught me that today is good," said Nicole. "I don't live in the past; I don't live in the future. I think this experience really helps to stay in today and to live in the now. I wouldn't have had that perspective otherwise. I wish I did without cancer, but we don't, and we take it and run with it. We just try to live life to the fullest every day."
