Maryland Trek
with Justin Berk
Date: Wednesday August 11 2021
Power Kid Abby
Age 5.5
ATRT Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor
Route: 55+ miles all on bike
Frederick through Sykesville through Ellicott City to near BWI Baltimore
Weather: Baltimore Weather from justinweather.com
Abby’s Story
Abby is a 5.5 year old ATRT (Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor) brain cancer warrior who loves the color pink, cheeseballs and reading. She was first diagnosed in December 2019 after suffering from debilitating migraines. 90% of her tumor was removed surgically at Children’s National in DC. She then received 6 months of chemotherapy and 3 rounds of stem cell transplants, bouncing back and forth between Sinai and Children’s. She then underwent radiation for the month of July and half of August at the Maryland Proton Center. She received anesthesia daily and woke up every day with a smile and asked for a snack. After radiation, she completed 9 months of oral chemotherapy.
She just recently finished all treatment in June and will be having an MRI in August to check on the remainder of the tumor. Throughout all of the treatment, Abby never lost her spunk. She had dance parties with her nurses, she told all her doctors jokes, and she thrived when she was with child life and art therapy.
She went from being a child who was afraid of the doctor to asking me when she could visit her friends at the hospital. She spent a great deal of time reading during inpatient visits and has her own library at home with 500+ books. Painting and art also are a passion of Abby's as she is constantly creating masterpieces for those she loves.
She absolutely adores animals and lights up whenever she sees a dog, cat or when visiting a zoo. Abby is one of the strongest kids I know and has never once complained or asked, "Why me?" She takes everything in stride and continues to amaze me on a daily basis. I am honored to be her mother. Follow her journey on Facebook at The Squish will squash this!
Dr. Abby
We helped kick off the Freedom Parade together in Sykesville this summer. She rode in a home made float that my wife and (bonus) daughter built to make her an honorary Vet for the day.
Here was our recap on Facebook
