Nova is a two-year-old who enjoys spending time outside, going to the movies, and getting ice cream. She loves water activities and going to the beach. Nova’s favorite TV show is Bluey. In June, Nova celebrated her 2nd birthday with a fun “Bluey Two-ey” themed birthday party!
Nova’s mom Nicolette shares fun and memorable activities her family of 5 likes to do together, “We enjoy going on outdoor adventures and spending time in nature. When we are at home, we love doing arts & crafts, watching cartoons, and building forts with the girls. Our favorite movies are Disney movies, and we recently started Disney Karaoke Night tradition. Every other Friday we team up and sing songs from our favorite movies. Nova’s favorite song to sing is…the Bluey Theme Song.”
Nova is also braving a rare form of childhood cancer, Neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a cancer often found in the small glands on top of the kidneys (adrenal glands). It can develop in the belly, chest, neck, pelvis, and bones. Children ages five or younger are most commonly affected. She travels from her home in Arkansas to New York to participate in a clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital. Because of our donors, Compass to Care provided 24 Uber rides from the airport to Sloan Hospital for Nova and her family. We also were able to coordinate and pay for a hotel stay for Nova and her family during one of her cancer treatments in New York.
During her most recent appointment, Nova had follow-up scans. Nova’s scans are clear and show no evidence of disease!!! Nova was even able to have her chemotherapy port removed during this trip. Her mom reports, “All good things!”
For parents on a similar journey, Nova’s mom Nicolette, encourages parents to take time out for themselves. “I know it’s easier said than done, but it is so essential for your mental health. Cancer battles are journeys of highs and lows, physically, mentally and emotionally and it is important to take care of yourself in order to be in the best mental space for your young warrior. Continue to do some of the things you genuinely enjoy, spa days, date nights, working out, painting, whatever activity you normally did before your child was diagnosed. These things will help to keep you grounded, bring a sense of normalcy and most of all keep your cup filled because you cannot pour from an empty cup.”
We are happy to share Nicolette’s encouraging words and Nova’s wonderful test results. We wish them safe travels as they leave New York and head back home to celebrate with their family of five in Arkansas.