SELMA, N.C. — A family in North Carolina expressed their gratitude after their 5-year-old daughter, Holly Carter, overcame a dire health condition, and they are now preparing for a major celebration.
“It was rough, but she really showed her strength and came out on the better side of things,” said Holly’s mother, Kelsy Ross.
In February, life turned upside down for the family when Holly wasn’t feeling well.
“She was in preschool, being just like any other kid, and suddenly her condition started to worsen,” Ross shared with ABC Raleigh affiliate WTVD. “She stopped engaging in play, became very pale, and appeared clammy.”
Holly stopped playing and got pale and clammy, her mom said.
Family photo
Initially, doctors thought Holly had a stomach virus, but they soon diagnosed her with stage four Burkitt lymphoma.
It was the latest challenge for Holly and her family.
Holly has autism and is non-verbal, and now, she needed chemotherapy.
But prayers for Holly were answered quickly.
Doctors told them to expect eight to 12 months of treatment, but Holly was cancer-free after only three months.
Doctors told them to expect eight to 12 months of treatment, but Holly was cancer-free after only three months.
“It was just the best feeling in the world,” Ross said. “I couldn’t stop crying. I couldn’t stop thanking God for everything.”
Holly and her family now get to celebrate their victory over cancer with a trip to Walt Disney World, thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“It pains me that she had to endure such challenges to get to this point, but I am eternally thankful to Make-A-Wish,” Ross remarked. “They have been incredibly patient, kind, and empathetic.”
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