Mile 14

Charlotte, an active cross-country runner and spirited middle schooler, started experiencing persistent leg pain that doctors initially chalked up to growing pains. But when a large lump suddenly appeared near her hip, her family knew something was wrong. A biopsy confirmed what no one expected: cancer. That moment changed everything for Charlotte and her family. “You breathe differently,” her mom recalled. “We had one child going to dance class and another being told she had cancer.” ​

​Despite initial discussions about seeking care elsewhere, the family chose Manning Family Children’s, where they found not just a comprehensive care team but also the critical support of their New Orleans community.​

​Charlotte endured ten months of intense treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, and multiple surgeries. The ability to stay at home, go to school, sleep in her own bed, and be surrounded by loved ones helped carry her through the hardest days. A highlight came when she met her hero, Saints quarterback Taysom Hill, whose encouragement gave her an extra boost of strength. Eventually, her scans came back clear—one by one—and Charlotte rang the bell to mark the end of her cancer treatment. Back in school and thriving, she even made the flag football team. Her journey wasn’t just a fight against illness; it was a powerful story of resilience, family, and a hospital community that never let her feel alone.