By the time they’re 10 years old, most kids have accomplished a laundry-list of childhood memories. They spend time playing outside, and walking the line between mature pre-teen, and still-too-young child. For 10-year-old Abby Furco, the first decade of her life has looked much different.
Patty Furco
At just four years old, Abby was diagnosed with Childhood Leukemia. Doctors only believed her to have a 20 percent chance of surviving.
Abby’s mom, Patty, said the diagnosis completely rocked her family’s world. They were devastated, and hopes for their beautiful little girl’s future were looking grim.
As she underwent intense chemotherapy, radiation treatments, bone marrow transplants and an experimental drug to try and combat the cancer, Abby’s family was by her side for the long haul.
“We kept her surrounded by love because we knew at any moment we could lose her,” Patty said. “There were moments we didn’t know if she’d pull through. She’s had so many infections that could have ended her life. All we could do was watch her fight and try to get better.”
I can’t imagine how helpless Abby’s parents must have felt—wanting with everything in them to save their baby girl, and having absolutely no power or ability to do so.
After three years of hospitals, treatments and being consumed by everything cancer, Abby had defied all odds. Her treatments were over, and she was in remission.
Patty Furco
For once, Abby’s life felt normal.
It was a miracle year for the second grader who was able to play soccer, swim on the swim team, go to school and even become a Girl Scout.
Patty Furco
But in September of 2014, Abby’s cancer returned, and it was back with a vengeance.
“As hard as the first diagnosis was, this one tested every ounce of our being,” Patty says. “She became completely immobile—any movement hurt her and she hardly spoke.”
A second bone marrow transplant in early 2015 compromised Abby’s entire body, and she was diagnosed with Graft-versus-host disease. The 8-year-old found “home” in Duke University Hospital for more than a year of monitoring and trying to make her small little body comfortable.
Patty Furco
Eventually, the disease took over and Abby’s kidneys stopped working.
“She was in full kidney failure and on dialysis 24 hours a day,” Patty explains.
Abby’s life was coming to an end. Off of dialysis, doctors believed she’d only live a few more days at most. They gave her 48 hours.
The Furcos prepared themselves for Abby’s death—all while providing a strong and hopeful support to their sweet little girl.
With hospice lined up, the family brought Abby home for one final night with her family and friends. They threw a huge party where everyone celebrated her and said their “goodbyes.” Her dad even began writing her eulogy.