ISABELLA BELTRAN

Isabella had just begun her freshman year at Beech Grove high school when she started having severe stomach pains and feeling sick. After going to the emergency room, she was transferred to Riley Children's Hospital and told on August 3rd that she had cancer. A large cyst (growing on the top of an already large tumor) had ruptured, causing the pain that sent her to the hospital.

After multiple biopsies and weeks and weeks of waiting, it was determined that this was a type of cancer that has not been seen before. It shows similarities to Rhabdomyosarcoma, but is not quite the same. Treatment has been difficult due to a lack of knowledge on the cancer itself.

After trying some chemo, and seeing how her body was reacting and the severe side effects she was experiencing, it was determined that surgery was the next best step for Bella. The surgery was risky and scary, but after a little over 12 long hours, she was in recovery.

The last few months have been filled with more chemotherapy and radiation treatments to try to remove the spots that had spread from the original tumor.

Before the cancer diagnosis, Isabella was active in the FFA; played on the school tennis team; had a job through the school, tending to gardens; and was an honor student. We are very hopeful that she will beat this and be able to get back to her normal life soon. We appreciate all the love, prayers, and support we have received throughout this journey.

If anyone wants to follow along on her battle with cancer, you are welcome to follow our Facebook page, “Isabella's Updates.”