Mile 31

At just 7 years old, Charlotte Hereford has already shown what it means to be a warrior. Diagnosed at birth with Dandy-Walker syndrome and Down syndrome, she faced developmental delays and a range of medical challenges early in life. In July 2022, during a family vacation, her mother noticed concerning swelling in Charlotte’s neck, which quickly progressed. Lab work confirmed the unimaginable: Charlotte had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow. She was transferred by ambulance to Manning Family Children’s, where her care team immediately began planning her treatment.​

​Under the care of Dr. Justin Farge and the pediatric oncology team, Charlotte began an intensive two-and-a-half-year chemotherapy journey. She spent a month in the hospital during the induction phase and then transitioned to monthly outpatient treatments. After early signs suggested her cancer hadn’t yet gone into remission, her treatment plan was intensified. ​

​Today, Charlotte is in remission, finishing her treatment in January 2025. Her care team at Manning Family Children’s, including nurses, doctors, and support staff, became like family—offering expert care and unwavering compassion. The Herefords are hopeful for the future and encourage other families facing similar diagnoses to hold on to hope, faith, and the knowledge that they’re not alone in the fight.