Meet Champion, Mary

On Halloween, 7-year-old Mary woke up screaming in pain. At first, doctors thought it was growing pains, but when her pain spread from her legs to her jaw, her family knew something more serious was wrong. After multiple emergency room visits and lab tests, Mary was referred to Children’s Wisconsin, where a spinal tap confirmed a devastating diagnosis: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Since then, Mary has begun a two-and-ahalf-year treatment plan. She has undergone more than 20 spinal taps, lost her hair twice, faced mobility challenges, and endured countless hospital visits. Despite these obstacles, her bravery shines. With the support of her oncology team, Child Life specialists, and art therapy, Mary continues to smile, laugh, and spread joy, even playing silly pranks on her care team. Mary loves sparkles, fashion, dancing, animals, and art. She dreams of one day working at Children’s Wisconsin to help care for other kids, just like her.