Abby Furco, a 10-year-old girl, has known one constant in her life: cancer.
At just four years old, Abby was diagnosed with leukemia in 2011. Doctors gave her only a 20% chance of survival.
"We were devastated," her mother, Patty Furco, recalls. "There was very little hope. We had to face the reality that she might not survive."
For the next six years, Abby's family did everything possible to support her. She underwent experimental treatments, intense chemotherapy, radiation, and a bone marrow transplant.
"We kept her surrounded by love because we knew we could lose her at any moment," Patty said. "With so many life-threatening infections, there were times we weren’t sure she’d make it. All we could do was watch her fight."
In October 2013, there was a glimmer of hope. Abby completed her treatment and enjoyed a year of normalcy. She joined the Girl Scouts, played soccer, and attended school like any other child.
But in September 2014, the cancer returned—more aggressive than before.
“That second diagnosis shattered us,” Patty said. Abby became so weak she could barely speak or move. Every action was painful.
In February 2015, Abby received a second bone marrow transplant. However, just 15 days later, she developed graft-versus-host disease, where the donated marrow began attacking her body.
A month later, her kidneys started to fail. She was rushed to intensive care, and doctors told her parents that without dialysis, she would only survive eight hours.
They began to say their goodbyes.
“The doctors told us it was time to let her go,” Patty shared. “She was only awake for about an hour a day. We started preparing our other daughters for her passing.”
Abby’s grandparents flew in, and the family began the heartbreaking process of planning her funeral, picking out her casket and favorite music.
Then something miraculous happened—Abby woke up.
“I have so much living to do,” she told her family.
Day by day, Abby grew stronger. "After weeks and months, she started walking again. We were in complete disbelief. It’s truly a miracle,” Patty said.
Doctors are unable to explain Abby’s recovery.
“We provided her treatment, but when we eased off some of the medication, she began to heal on her own,” said her pediatric hematologist and oncologist, Dr. Jacob Wessler. "She’s defied all the odds.”
Though Abby’s prognosis remains uncertain, she is currently in remission, receiving steroids through an IV twice a day. Her family is cautiously optimistic and cherishes every moment with her.
"We’ve seen her come back from the brink of death,” Patty said. “Now we focus on the future."
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