In May 2022, a bright-eyed, plump little girl entered the world and made two twenty-somethings parents for the first time. We called her Zipporah. She filled our hearts with incredible joy and completion. Her unabashed personality and quick movements (among other things) earned her the endearing nickname of Zippy. She was born full-term, 9lbs 1.5oz and by all accounts, healthy! She loves swimming, dancing, playing outside, cooking with mama, and indulging her sweet tooth when permitted. She especially loves going to school and church where she plays with her friends. In September 2025, she became a big sister to twin boys! She was absolutely thrilled and announced this to anyone and everyone. She takes her job as a big sister very seriously, a fierce protector of her otherwise helpless little brothers. Our lives were so full. 

But all that changed on April 9th, 2026. Prior to that, Zippy had a fever that wouldn't break for 8 days and she began experiencing abdominal pain. On April 9th, we rushed her to the emergency room where she was diagnosed with Wilms tumor. Her surgery to remove the tumor on her left kidney was scheduled within 24 hours. She was later further diagnosed with stage two Wilms due to renal capsule invasion. After she healed from surgery, she began chemotherapy on April 24, 2026. It has been a deeply challenging journey and Zippy has met each blow with fierce, unshakable resilience, grit and grace. She continues to inspire us with her bubbly, strong-willed, kind, energetic and brilliant little self. We are profoundly thankful for the researchers and resources that make Zippy's treatment possible. We are especially grateful for the generosity of people like you who bring hope to families and healing to children with cancer. With your help, we can discover more cures that will allow kids like Zippy to live healthy, happy, long lives.