Written by P.K.’s family
In January 2024, Penelope Kate, lovingly known as “PK”, was a thriving eight-year-old with a big personality and an even bigger heart. She was a gymnast, full of energy and determination, so when she started experiencing back pain, no one thought much of it. Maybe it was a muscle strain from practice? Or perhaps a little fall while skiing? There was no way something serious could be wrong with their happy, healthy little girl.
But as the pain grew worse, so did their concerns. By February 26, the pain was so unbearable that PK could barely sleep, and her left leg was growing weaker. A visit to the pediatric orthopedic doctor led to an MRI, just to be safe. On March 1, 2024, PK underwent a sedated MRI in the morning, then got dressed up for what would be her last Daddy-Daughter dance that evening.
At 6 p.m., everything changed.
The call came—PK had a tumor on her spinal cord.
A Battle No Child Should Have to Fight
The next two weeks were spent in the hospital, searching for answers. On March 6, PK underwent a risky biopsy surgery, and two days later, the unimaginable was confirmed. What doctors had hoped was a less aggressive tumor turned out to be one of the deadliest forms of childhood cancer—a Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG), T6-T9 on her spine.
The words were impossible to process. Radiation would help slow the tumor’s growth, maybe even shrink it, but doctors were clear: the tumor would come back, and when it did, it would come back with a vengeance.
The next nine months were spent fighting for PK’s life. She endured 30 rounds of radiation in just six weeks, requiring sedation for every session. She traveled to Michigan frequently to participate in a clinical trial, clinging to the hope that it would buy her more time. But as the months passed, the disease slowly took more from her. Walking became harder, movement more limited, and simple functions—like controlling her bladder and bowels—slipped away.
Then came the worst news yet.
On November 15, 2024, a clinical trial MRI revealed that what was once one tumor had now become four, with some in her brain. PK’s memory, speech, and ability to swallow began declining rapidly.
On November 26, 2024, PK was healed—hugging Jesus in Heaven.
A Legacy of Love and Hope
PK was a fighter until the very end, holding onto life with the same sass, fire, and strength that made her so special. In her nine short years, she left behind beautiful moments, laughter, and memories that will never fade. Her family is left wondering what nine more years would have looked like—what dreams she would have chased, what joy she would have brought to the world.
But PK’s story does not end here.
Her family is determined to fight for a cure, so that no other family has to experience the heartbreak they did. They are participating in fundraisers and races, raising money in PK’s honor with the hope that one day, when a parent receives this devastating diagnosis, there will be real treatment options—real hope.
They have also started PK’s Prayers, a charity organization dedicated to helping families facing financial hardship during their child’s battle with cancer.
PK’s story is a reminder that we must do more. That we must fight harder. That no child should have to endure what PK did.
Her family fights for a future where DIPG/DMG is no longer a death sentence. For a cure. For hope.
For PK.
