patient story

patient name: Charlotte Caraway

age: 10 years old

condition: Wilms Tumor (type of kidney cancer)

seen in: hematology/oncology

provider: Jordan M. Wright, MD

Call it mother’s intuition, but in June 2015, Stephanie Caraway knew something was wrong with her 14-month-old daughter, Charlotte. Charlotte's stomach was hard and visibly swollen, so Stephanie made an appointment for Charlotte with her pediatrician. What happened next would change their lives forever.

The pediatrician took one look at Charlotte and immediately sent her for X-rays and an ultrasound. While still in the imaging center, the doctor called with devastating news – Charlotte had some form of cancer, and Dayton Children’s Hospital was expecting them.

“I remember him telling me he was sorry, and then everything felt like slow motion, yet it was all happening so fast. I felt like I was falling off a cliff, and life took a turn we’d never be able to reverse,” Stephanie shared. “It was like an out-of-body experience. And you ask yourself over and over, ‘Are they really talking about my child’?”

getting Charlotte’s diagnosis

From the moment they stepped into the emergency department at Dayton Children’s, everyone took care of Charlotte. The care team ran many tests before transferring Charlotte to the hematology/oncology floor, where Stephanie was given the diagnosis—Stage V Wilms Tumor, a rare and aggressive form of kidney cancer. Even more concerning, Charlotte’s tumors were in both kidneys, not just one.

“I prayed for mercy, healing, and understanding through all of this. I felt a sense of relief when they named Charlotte’s cancer because then we knew what we were dealing with,” Stephanie said. “I am just incredibly grateful for the medical team who said, ‘We’re going after this and will take care of your little girl.’”

Charlotte’s care team was led by Jordan Wright, MD, division chief of hematology/oncology, and Arturo Aranda, MD, FACS, CPE, division chief of pediatric surgery. The treatment plan was set: 12 weeks of chemotherapy followed by surgery.

When August arrived, Dr. Aranda and Dr. Wright saw positive progress and they decided to do another 12 weeks of chemotherapy, moving the planned surgery date to October.

When the time came for surgery, scans showed that Charlotte’s right kidney was now cancer-free, with only her left kidney still affected. During surgery, a third of her left kidney was removed, then Charlotte started six more weeks of chemotherapy.

“We felt so much love and care from the care team…the nurses, the radiology techs, the anesthesiologist, etc. were just amazing. And they loved Charlotte for who she is,” Stephanie shared. Child life was also a wonderful support throughout Charlotte’s cancer journey, keeping her happy and busy when it was needed most. They made her feel more comfortable and kept her mind occupied during chemotherapy, testing, and surgery.

As for Dr. Wright and Dr. Aranda, Stephanie also shared, “I love them. Their expertise is world-class, and I am just so thankful they and their teams are right here in Dayton.”

starting a new plan

In February 2016, Charlotte’s scans came back clear, and her chemo port was removed. However, it was short-lived, and in November of that year, she relapsed. Once again, cancer was found in both kidneys, and a new plan was put in motion.

“Dr. Wright took the time and care to make the right choice on how best to move forward. He reached out to colleagues and even consulted with specialists in other countries. I can’t tell you how much that meant to us, and it’s in those details that I knew how much he cared for Charlotte,” Stephanie said.

This time around, Charlotte underwent 12 months of chemotherapy, starting around Thanksgiving 2016. By Thanksgiving 2017, Charlotte was cancer-free again, beating cancer for the second time. Today, seven years later, she remains cancer-free.

“Every time I see Dr. Wright, I hug him. He’s such a quiet, calm, and peaceful person, and I’m just thankful to him. He saved Charlotte’s life,” Stephanie said.

“Fierce Charlotte”

During Charlotte’s journey, the Dayton Children’s medical team began calling her "Fierce Charlotte," inspired by the quote from Shakespeare’s *A Midsummer Night’s Dream*: “Though she be but little, she is fierce.” This mantra has since become Charlotte’s own.

At 10 years old, Charlotte is a ‘little bit’ sassy, unafraid to try new things, crafty, and loves all things sports—currently playing volleyball, basketball, and soccer! Charlotte is the second youngest in the family, with three older sisters and a younger brother. She is currently entering fifth grade at Cedarville Elementary.

shaped by her Dayton Children’s journey

Stephanie shares that while Charlotte doesn’t remember much from those early cancer days due to her young age, her memory has been shaped by the quarterly scans and follow-up visits with Dr. Wright over the last seven years. Recently, she transitioned to long-term follow-up care, which has brought about more grown-up conversations about cancer and its long-term effects on the heart, fertility, and more.

“This entire journey is what Charlotte knows, and in many ways, it forced her to believe in herself and that she is fierce,” Stephanie said. “I’m just so proud of her, and she’s just a joyful kid who brings love and laughter to everyone.”

forever grateful to Dayton Children’s

Stephanie remains forever grateful to Dayton Children’s for the care and expertise they provide. Knowing there is world-class pediatric cancer care close to home is a tremendous blessing.

“I never thought cancer would be part of Charlotte’s story. I can’t say enough about how important it is to continue supporting the incredible work at Dayton Children’s Hospital. Charlotte’s story could become another child’s story tomorrow, so it’s essential that Dayton Children’s continues with their expertise and remains ready to take care of any child at any moment. What they do at Dayton Children’s is vital, and I’m just so grateful to them because they love Charlotte and did what was best for her.”

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