Mercedes Cancer-Crushing Crusade!

My beautiful 2-year-old granddaughter, Mercedes, is facing a battle that no child should ever have to endure. Recently, our family received the heartbreaking news that Mercedes has been diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of childhood cancer.

We received a major answer to our prayers: the cancer is located only in her bladder and has not spread anywhere else in her body. However, because of the location of the tumor, Mercedes had to undergo surgery to have an ovary removed. It will be frozen and placed in a storage to protect her future fertility.

At just two years old, Mercedes should be spending her days playing and learning. Instead,

she is under the care of an incredible pediatric oncology team and officially started her first round of chemotherapy.

Despite the overwhelming challenges ahead, her bright spirit and brave smile continue to inspire everyone around her. She is truly Tiny but Mighty.

The Treatment Plan & Strict Protections
Mercedes is receiving a chemotherapy protocol known as VAC/VI, which is a combination of different medications. While these strong medications carry heavy side effects, they are highly effective when used together to kill cancer cells.

- The Schedule: She will undergo 14 cycles of chemotherapy in total, with each cycle lasting three weeks.
- Where She Receives Care: She is starting her treatment directly in the hospital so doctors can provide fluids and closely monitor her reaction. Future cycles will happen at the outpatient infusion clinic, though she may require hospital stays depending on how her oncology team manages her side effects.
- Managing Side Effects: The most common side effects include hair loss, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Immune System Protection: Because chemotherapy wipes out her immune system, Mercedes will be severely immunocompromised. We must strictly watch for any fevers or signs of infection, which require immediate medical attention.
- Sun & Skin Safety: Her skin will be highly sensitive during treatment, meaning she must be strictly protected from any sun or UV rays.

Supporting Her Single Mom
While Mercedes has the love of both of her parents, she lives full-time with her mom, my daughter Bryanna. As a single mother, Bryanna now faces the monumental task of balancing full-time caregiving, managing a highly sensitive medical environment at home, handling intensive hospital stays, and maintaining her household. Because Mercedes cannot be in daycare or around crowds due to her weakened immune system, Bryanna must be by her side 24/7.

We want to lift as much financial burden from Bryanna’s shoulders as possible so she can focus entirely on holding Mercedes hand at the hospital and keeping her safe and isolated at home without worrying about lost wages or bills.

How Your Donations Will Help
Every dollar raised through this campaign will go directly toward:

- Medical Costs: Out-of-pocket expenses, co-pays, and the specialized cost of long-term tissue storage for her frozen ovary.
- Travel Expenses: Fuel, parking fees, and meals during long days at the hospital and the outpatient infusion clinic.
- Daily Living Support: Rent, utilities, and groceries so Bryanna can safely stay home from work to protect her daughter from infection.
- Sanitation & Sun Safety Supplies: Specialized cleaning supplies to keep the home germ-free, high-quality UV protective gear, and items to keep her comfortable during her catheter care.

Other Ways, You Can Support Us
If you are unable to donate financially, you can still make a massive impact:

1. Share This Page: Please share this link with your friends, family, and social media networks.
2. Send Prayers and Positive Thoughts: Keep Mercedes and Bryanna in your thoughts as they tackle Cycle 1.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your love, generosity, and support during the most challenging time of our lives. We will post regular updates on Mercedes’s progress right here.

With gratitude,
Jessica Scott/The Scott/ Roseman/Brooks Family