Support pours in for Maine girl bravely battling rare brain cancer ahead of final chemo round
A community rallied to support 3-year-old Bailey Szajner and her family, with donations helping offset medical bills pour in.
KENNEBUNK, Maine — People are rallying behind a 3-year-old girl battling a rare and aggressive brain cancer. Bailey Szajner has been receiving intense chemotherapy treatment at Boston Children’s Hospital since August.
Back in July, 3-year-old Bailey Szajner was experiencing bouts of lethargy and low-grade fever, and was often not herself, her family shared. By August, she could barely get out of bed. A CT scan later discovered a tumor in her brain. It was removed after a 7.5-hour surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital.
“They said this tumor developed fast. When she started to develop those symptoms, that’s when it started to affect her. We got it actually early,” recalled Kasey Szajner, Bailey’s mom.
Bailey was diagnosed with Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor, or ATRT, a rare, aggressive brain cancer most common in infants and toddlers under 3 years old. Doctors explained that this condition happened spontaneously and was not inherited. After her diagnosis, the little girl started high-dose chemotherapy followed by stem cell rescue. This treatment involves using a patient’s own stem cells to ‘rescue’ or rebuild their blood-forming system. It allows for more aggressive cancer treatment and has shown potential to improve outcomes. And Bailey went through each stage like a champ.
“She is just so strong and has a threshold for this,” Kasey declared.
In addition to Bailey’s medical journey, there has been an outpouring of support and donations through a GoFundMe to help offset mounting medical bills. While Kasey has been in the hospital with Bailey, her dad Mike Szajner has not been working and has been commuting between the hospital and Kennebunk to care for the couple’s 6-year-old son, Brodie.
To further help the family, a friend and fellow cancer mom organized 20forBailey. The fundraiser and social media campaign run through January 14, Bailey’s 4th birthday. Participants are encouraged to donate at least $20 to help cover medical bills and to do something strengthening or inspiring, from first responders doing push-ups to high fives from the New England Patriot Cheerleaders.
“I don’t think we would be okay if it hadn’t been for everyone who has literally carried us through until now. People have shown up in every way you can imagine,” Kasey said.
Bailey was discharged from the Children’s Hospital nearly two weeks ago and is celebrating Christmas with her family on Friday, back home in Kennebunk. Bailey will return to Boston to start her final round of chemo on Sunday. Then it’s 6 weeks of daily radiation to ensure all of the cancer is gone. However, this is another battle the little girl and her family won’t be facing alone.
People can learn more about how to participate in the 20forBailey fundraiser on the Facebook page set up to document Bailey’s battle with cancer.
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