Rosie McKenna

When Rosie was only 11 months old she was diagnosed with AT/RT; Atypical Teratoid/ Rhabdoid Tumor (an aggressive form of brain cancer). Right after her diagnosis she started her endless treatments at the Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia (CHOP). Rosie is currently 5 years old, has 2 older sisters, and she is still bravely fighting her brain cancer. 

Since her diagnosis she has endured 3 brain surgeries; over 64 treatments of proton radiation to her brain, receives chemotherapy daily; endless blood and platelet transfusions as well as numerous ER visits. Dues to her intense treatments Rosie is now hearing impaired, physically and globally delayed, not able to eat by mouth, as well as she requires weekly physical, hearing and occupational therapy.

Then in March of 2023 Rosie was diagnosed with a Secondary Cancer; APML- Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia. Thankfully on November 20, 2023, Rosie was able to ring her bell for completing her 10 months of treatments for APML.

Rosie is still currently undergoing treatments for her brain cancer and continues to show everyone how strong and resilient she is. Rosie is exceptionally loving, energetic and playful. Even with all her treatments and everything she has gone through everyday Rosie still smiles and laughs. She is a reminder to us all that no matter how many ups and downs life has to keep smiling and that tomorrow is a new day so don’t waste it.