Tomorrow, October 29th, marks a heart-wrenching milestone for a young girl whose courage and determination have inspired so many. Ten years ago, Elsa Wiemerslage, only five years old, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Today, as a 15-year-old, Elsa remains in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, fighting harder than ever.
The first photo of Elsa, taken back in 2015 when she was first diagnosed, captures the innocence of a young child, unaware of the life-altering journey ahead of her. Her wide, hopeful eyes spoke volumes about the promise of life before the battle began. The three recent photos, sent by her father, Kevin, just last night, show a brave, determined girl who has endured unimaginable pain and suffering, yet continues to fight with every ounce of strength she has.
For the past decade, Elsa has been living in a world where regular hospital visits, treatments, and countless procedures are the norm. But it’s not just the regular treatments that have marked her fight — it’s the relentless courage with which she’s faced the unimaginable. Elsa has undergone three stem cell transplants and has participated in a groundbreaking Natural Killer (NK) cell trial, each new step a testament to her strength and the unwavering love and support of her family.
This is the grim reality of childhood cancer: it’s not just about the diagnosis but about the years of painful, life-saving treatments, the uncertainty, the ups and downs, and the toll it takes not only on the child but on the entire family. Elsa’s story is one of resilience, a journey that no child should ever have to endure, yet one that so many do. The fight is long, and it’s exhausting, but Elsa and her family have never given up.
As Elsa’s family marks this painful 10-year milestone tomorrow, they are asking for one thing — your prayers and positive energy. Elsa’s mother, Adrienne, shared a heartfelt message yesterday, saying, “If you could spare a few minutes, Elsie could use some prayers and positive vibes sent her way. Thank you for loving and supporting our girl through the years.” These words, simple yet profound, are a plea for the strength to carry on, for the hope that the journey is worth it and that Elsa can feel the love that surrounds her.
In the face of unimaginable adversity, Elsa’s spirit remains unbroken. While her body has endured so much, her heart and mind continue to fight with the same determination that has carried her through the past ten years. The love and support from her family, friends, and everyone who has followed her journey have been her anchor. They are the reason Elsa has the strength to keep fighting, and they are the reason she believes in the possibility of brighter days.
Tomorrow, as Elsa and her family reflect on the past decade, they are not only remembering the pain and the hardships, but also the incredible strength and resilience that have defined their journey. And as they mark this milestone, they are asking for one more thing: to send Elsa your prayers, love, and positive energy.
Because for Elsa, the fight is far from over, but with your support, she will continue to fight with all the courage and strength she has shown for the past 10 years. Let’s send her all the love and healing energy we can muster, and let’s remind her that she’s not alone in this battle.
Elsa’s story is a testament to the power of love, hope, and perseverance. As we honor her fight, let’s remember that childhood cancer doesn’t just affect the children who are fighting it — it impacts entire families, entire communities. But through it all, the power of prayer, support, and positive energy is something that can truly make a difference.
Elsa, we are all standing with you. Your bravery has touched our hearts, and we will continue to fight alongside you, cheering you on every step of the way.
Raedyn’s Unyielding Fight: The Challenge of a Persistent Infection
For little Raedyn, life has been a constant journey of resilience, courage, and the unwavering support of his parents. This month has brought yet another chapter in his ongoing medical story — one that has tested the family’s patience, strength, and hope.
Back in May, Raedyn developed a post-operative infection following cranial surgery. The infection was aggressive, spreading through soft tissue and reaching the bone. Because of the delicate new bone flap placed in his forehead, doctors decided against a full surgical cleanout to avoid causing damage. Instead, the team chose an aggressive antibiotic approach, carefully monitoring his progress while protecting the integrity of his healing skull.
Over the months, this strategy showed results. The infection receded, and Raedyn endured weeks of antibiotic treatment with the quiet bravery that has become his hallmark. Fast forward to the beginning of this month, when a repeat MRI revealed only minimal remnants of the infection. His infectious disease team recommended an additional three weeks of antibiotics to ensure the last traces were eliminated. By Monday of last week, lab work looked promising. On Tuesday, the team met and determined that Raedyn could stop antibiotics — a moment of relief and a small victory after months of vigilance.
For most of the week following this decision, Raedyn seemed to thrive. He was energetic, playful, and showing all the signs of a child ready to leave the shadow of infection behind. His parents allowed themselves a cautious sigh of relief.
But then came the weekend. Raedyn grew crabby and emotional. His parents assumed it was simply fatigue from a long weekend, a small hiccup in an otherwise hopeful trajectory. That hope, however, was short-lived. On Monday morning, Raedyn woke with a runny nose and bright yellow trach secretions — classic signs of illness or a trach infection. He was whiny, pointing repeatedly at his head as if alerting his parents to something they could not yet see.
Investigating further, his mother discovered a large, red bump on his incision — a startling new development. It hadn’t been present the day before, and its appearance raised immediate concern. Photos were sent to his medical team, who suspected a resurgence of the stubborn infection under his scalp. But Raedyn’s mother noticed something different about this bump. Unlike his previous infections, which presented as soft, fluid-filled pockets, this one was firm and unusual. Its timing — appearing exactly six days after stopping antibiotics — added to the confusion and worry.
Despite her fears, Raedyn’s mother remains vigilant and hopeful. “I can’t say I totally agree with the diagnosis just yet,” she shared. “But I trust our team, and we’re taking every precaution to keep him safe.” The infectious disease team promptly sent over antibiotics to begin treatment immediately, and blood work and a follow-up appointment are scheduled for Friday to assess his progress and adjust care if necessary.
For any child, a persistent infection is challenging. For Raedyn, with his complex medical history, every new symptom carries extra weight. Questions about the safety of prolonged antibiotics, the need to switch medications, and how to fully eradicate the infection loom large. Each day of uncertainty is emotionally exhausting for his parents, who have carried him through months of hospital visits, procedures, and sleepless nights. Yet even amid fear and frustration, there is gratitude for the care he receives and hope that this bump may be a temporary setback rather than a new battle.
Raedyn’s story is not just about illness; it’s about resilience and the courage of a child who faces obstacles most adults would find overwhelming. It’s about parents who advocate tirelessly, who remain steadfast in love, and who refuse to let weariness cloud their determination to protect and care for their son.
As the family moves forward, their prayers are simple but powerful: that this is a fluke, a minor flare, and that their little boy can continue his path toward healing. They hope for guidance from his medical team, clarity on the next steps, and — most of all — relief for Raedyn, whose small body has endured more than anyone should have to bear.
Even in the face of setbacks, one thing is clear: Raedyn’s fight is not just a medical story. It is a story of courage, of love, and of the unwavering strength that can only be found in a child who refuses to give up. His parents, his care team, and the community that surrounds him all carry him through these challenging days, believing that brighter, healthier days are still ahead.