5-year-old Burleson girl declared cancer-free
By Monica Faram – Clinton Herald, Iowa (TNS)
One Burleson family has received the best Christmas presents imaginable this year. On Dec. 11, they received the news that their 5-year-old is cancer free.
Carolynn Quaranta was diagnosed with pineoblastoma, a rare, aggressive cancer deep in the central area of the brain where the two hemispheres meet, in June. Not only that, it had spread to her spine.
In July, she began her first rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, which involved numerous lengthy hospital stays, with short stints of getting to visit home.
All was worth it in the end, as they received the news of her cancer-free diagnosis earlier this month.
“It’s not often I find myself at a loss for words, but today is one of those moments,” Carolynn’s father Rocco Quaranta said. “I am deeply humbled by the outpouring of love, support and prayers from each and every one of you. Your kindness has been a lifeline for our family.”
Quaranta also requested prayers on behalf of the other families in the hospital.
“Our hearts ache for the other families here,” he said. “Every room in this unit is filled, and many kids are facing severe complications. Some have been here for months without a break. Please join us in praying for them — that their bodies will accept their transplants, that they’ll find relief from the overwhelming side effects, and that their families will feel peace and strength during this incredibly hard time.”
After her final two rounds of chemo, Carolynn’s hearing was affected, which may require her to use hearing aids for certain frequencies.
“Thankfully, she’s young, strong, and incredibly adaptable — qualities that will help her navigate this adjustment with resilience and grace,” Quaranta said.
Carolynn’s MRI and spinal fluid sample at the beginning of the month were completely clear — no cancer cells and no tumors.
“This incredible news is more than we could have hoped for, and we are overflowing with gratitude and joy,” he said.
Carolynn is in the hospital for Christmas, as she goes through another round of chemo with one more to go, but at this point they’re precautionary to ensure no cancel cells are left behind.
“Four rounds of chemo for our brave Princess Unicorn Warrior is a lot, but a future with hearing aids is far better than the risk of cancer returning,” Quaranta said.
To help her Christmas hospital stay more comfortable, Once Upon a Room, a Fort Worth nonprofit, decorated her room at Cook Children’s Medical Center. The unicorn Christmas theme decorations spread across her hospital bed, as well as many toys to keep her entertained.
Hard decisions were made while Carolynn underwent treatment, including having one of her ovaries preserved.
“High-dose chemo could mean a 50-70% chance of infertility, so we’re putting an ovary on ice for the future,” Quaranta said. “I mean, it’s not every day you have to make decisions about your kid’s future family planning before they’re even out of preschool, but here we are. Adulting at its most extreme.”
In October, the Quaranta’s church congregation threw a huge surprise princess themed birthday party for Carolynn as she celebrated her fifth birthday. There was everything from bounce houses and slides to cotton candy machines, face painting and real life princesses.
“Words cannot adequately express my appreciation for all of you who have walked alongside us — whether we just met or have been friends for 40 years,” Quaranta said. “Your prayers and unwavering support have carried us through this storm.
“We did it! God heard every single prayer and healed our sweet girl from this terrible disease.”
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