Evelyn

Evelyn was born on June 8, 2023, into a family full of love and laughter. As she grew, so did her personality. Her parents, Janie and Zach, describe her as strong‑willed yet kind. Generous, sweet, and incredibly determined. Once Evelyn decides she wants to do something, she is going to do it. Her parents would soon learn just how much that determination mattered.

In November 2024, Janie and Zach noticed something didn’t feel right. Evelyn began vomiting almost daily. Her pediatrician explored common causes, and while treatments would briefly ease her symptoms, the relief never lasted.

By December, the vomiting continued, and Evelyn’s movement began to change. She stumbled, fell frequently, and ran into things. When the symptoms persisted, her parents took action and got her to Cardinal Glennon. Doctors recommended a head CT, which revealed an ependymoma – a brain tumor.

In that moment, Janie remembers asking the unimaginable question: “Are you giving my baby a death sentence?”

Time seemed to stop as they waited: for answers, and for hope. Evelyn was admitted to the PICU that same day and would remain within hospital walls for a total of 5 months.

On December 30, Evelyn underwent brain surgery. The entire tumor was removed, but its location on the brain stem left her future uncertain. Recovery was challenging, as she struggled to gain enough stability to move off intubation and begin radiation. Eventually, doctors placed a feeding tube and trach.

By early February, Evelyn transferred to Children’s Hospital, where she began a 30-day course of radiation, administered Monday through Friday requiring daily sedation. Although she completed radiation successfully, Janie and Zach were told the trach might be permanent, and that Evelyn might never speak again. For a little girl who had so much to say, it was a devastating possibility.

After radiation, Evelyn returned home for one week before beginning outpatient therapy at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital. Her care team quickly recognized she would benefit from inpatient treatment. That decision changed everything.

“At Ranken Jordan, things felt different immediately,” Janie shares. “It’s the Disneyland of hospitals. It’s so inviting. You know it’s a hospital, but you don’t feel like it.”

Within one week, Evelyn’s care team capped her trach. With consistent therapy and support, her progress continued. Each small victory rebuilt hope, not just for Evelyn’s recovery, but for her future. Her parents credit several staff members for fiercely advocating for Evelyn, a major reason she no longer has her trach or feeding tube today. After two months of inpatient care, Evelyn was discharged on June 4, 2025.

Today, Evelyn continues outpatient therapy at Ranken Jordan. She is walking, talking, cancer free, and no longer takes any medications. A sweet little girl once defined by medical equipment, now defined by laughter, movement, and possibility.

Evelyn is a true testament to resilience, faith, and what is possible when care is driven by hope, advocacy, and love.