Hometown: Pataskala, OH
Age on Race Day: 14
Diagnosis: Malignant Mixed Germ Cell Ovarian Tumor
When Braylee began complaining of stomach pains, her parents brought her to Nationwide Children's Hospital Emergency Room thinking she may have appendicitis. Quickly, their fears intensified as doctors expressed concerns that they may have found a tumor and that they would like to perform emergency, exploratory surgery.
After surgery, Braylee and her parents waited for results to explain her pain. Though the time was scary and confusing, they began to build bonds with the nursing staff.
“The nurses on the fourth floor were amazing,” recalls Katie, Braylee’s mom. “They never left our room without asking if any of us needed anything. They made our stay so much better.”
When results finally came back, Braylee was diagnosed with a malignant mixed germ cell ovarian tumor, a rare, aggressive type of cancer that is a combination of two or more types of germ cell tumors. She immediately began meeting with the oncology team.
Braylee had a port installed and began chemotherapy. After several rounds over just a few short months, Braylee completed her treatment plan. At the time, she didn’t yet know if more treatment would be necessary but just a couple weeks later, her scans showed no sign of the tumor, Braylee would need no further treatment.
She quickly returned to school and dance recitals. Though her treatment didn’t slow down her desire to participate on her dance team, it was an exciting and meaningful performance knowing she was cancer free.
