March 13, 2018 update: Lily’s procedure has been pushed back to an undetermined date. There are a few more rounds of treatment and steps she will go through. Please keep her in your thoughts and wish her luck.

On February 19, Lily Weaver was pronounced NED (No Evidence of Disease). Weaver has been battling Ewings Sarcoma cancer since she relapsed in the end of July 2017.

Weaver celebrated her 5 year cancer-free anniversary in February 2017. When she went in a few months later for her checkup, two tumors were found on her spine and ribs; they were determined to cancerous.

After 8 rounds of chemotherapy and 30 days of radiation, she now has clear scans. Next, Lily will have a bone marrow transplant. Her younger brother, Frankie Weaver, will be the donor.  He  is 12 years old and will miss a small amount of school.  He has already gone through prep work at the hospital to prepare himself for the procedure.

Originally, Lily’s older sister, Grace Weaver, was going to be the donor; she is a 100% match to Lily. However, Mrs. Amy Weaver said, “Even though Grace [is] a 100% match (which is amazing), they wanted a 50% sibling match to make [Lily’s] body recognize the cancer and fight harder against it. Thankfully, Frankie [is] an absolute perfect match for [that]!”

It is very lucky that Frankie fits the match. The Institute for Justice , which won a case for people to be compensated for donating bone marrow, reported, “Only 30 percent of patients who need a bone marrow transplant have a matching donor in their families.”

A bone marrow transplant is a tough procedure. The damaged or destroyed tissue within the bones is taken out and replaced with the donor’s healthy bone marrow.

However, it is not a rare procedure. The Health Resources and Services Administration report that about 20,000 people per year receive bone marrow or umbilical cord blood transfusions.

The Weaver family is prepared and ready to take on the challenge. The papers have been signed to go through with the transplant and it will take place March 7.

Following the procedure, Lily has 100 days of recovery within and near the hospital. Up to eight weeks will be spent in Johns Hopkins Hospital, all depending on how her body reacts to the new bone marrow. The remainder of the 100 days, she will live in an apartment in Baltimore with her family.

“Although I have relapsed and have gone through all of this, I am super thankful for treatment options, great medical teams (both at Sinai Hospital and Johns Hopkins), and for the continuous support throughout the community. I am proud to be able to be a voice for other kids and teens with cancer,” said Lily.

The Truth 365 is an organization that spreads awareness for childhood cancer. Since 2016, Lily has been a national spokesperson for the foundation. Throughout her journey, she has stayed positive and has consistently been trying to help others through their battles.

While Weaver’s fight has been long, tiring and painful, the finish line is in sight. There have been good and bad days, but Lily has continued to push through. Her strength is inspriational.

Please keep Lily and her family in your thoughts and prayers throughout these next few months. Cards for Lily and her family can be dropped off at room C203.