Lilly’s Story

Site created on June 7, 2020


Six months ago, Lilly Linton was a happy, healthy 12-year old girl.  She was an active tumbler who loved her family, her friends, and her pets.  When her ankle and foot started to cause her pain, her mom Larissa had her evaluated.  A CT scan ruled it was a non-cancerous (benign) osteochondroma tumor.  Hooray!  Prayers Answered!!


However, as the months progressed, the tumor grew causing her ankle to swell and increasing Lilly’s pain. They returned to the doctor, hoping to schedule an elective surgery to remove the tumor in March.  Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the state of Texas canceled all elective surgeries and therefore Lilly's could not be scheduled until the quarantine was lifted.  


In May, Lilly was sent for an MRI which came back with "concerning features", requiring further investigation through a biopsy. It was a painful procedure, but Lilly is tough and was walking again in just a few days while we waited for the results.  


Preliminary results took over a week and came back as likely cancer, but further investigation was still needed. The Mayo Clinic was sent all of Lilly's records, meaning even more anxious waiting for results.


On Thursday, June 4th, Larissa received the call and heard the words no mother should ever have to hear. She learned Lilly has a rare type of bone cancer called Chondroblastic Osteosarcoma. She would need to begin an aggressive chemotherapy regimen immediately in hopes of shrinking the tumor so that it can be surgically removed.  


Larissa is herself a cancer survivor and also knows the devastation of losing a child to this disease. She lost her first daughter to Acute Myeloid Leukemia at the age of four. A loss that would leave many unable to do anything, instead set her into motion and she co-founded Heroes for Children sixteen years ago. More than 6,200 families of children with cancer have received support because of this amazing charity co-founded by this amazing mom.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Allison Noon

Lilly had a great 13th birthday celebration on Sunday!! She had lots of friends stop by with cards, gifts and treats! She had lots of fun and it was great seeing all the girls laugh and have some NORMALCY for a change!! We were all pretty exhausted come Sunday evening. Lilly and I left yesterday for Houston. Since Mom was so tired, I decided to show Lilly what the Vonlane bus is all about. She was skeptical, but is now a new fan! I took a much needed nap and before we knew it, we were in Houston!
Today, prior to starting chemo, the team wanted to check with Dr. Lewis, Lilly's surgeon. She came and looked at Lilly's leg and said it looked great, however their are a few stitches where the plastic surgeon did her work that she would like to give another week to heal. We have an appointment with the plastic surgeon at 3:00 today. Also, Dr. Lewis needs Lilly to be able to completely straighten her leg below the right knee where it was amputated. This is very important prior to getting prosthesis. Lilly will be working on her own to hopefully and prayerfully accomplish that before next week. If she can not straighten it on her own, Dr. Lewis will put a cast on it to straighten it out. She should also be cleared to start chemo then. Lillly's 1st request was can we go to Aunt Carrie's to hang out?! LOL. Carrie of course obliged, they are now bff's and we are chilling at her house until Lilly's next appointment. Lilly is in love with their new puppy Daphne too!! I get in trouble for posting pics but there are a few small pics of some of the birthday celebrations! Yes, she is a huge Harry Styles fan!! All in all, she is doing great, we have enjoyed being home and she is really getting around great!
Tristyn came home Friday and was able to stay all week. It has been a blessing to have her home! Thanks again for showering us with love, prayers, yummy meals, gift cards and birthday wishes for Lilly. I pray Lilly's 14th birthday we are celebrating on a fabulous beach somewhere, cancer FREE!!! #LoveforLilly
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