At 3 years old, August has both a silly side and an introspective side. She is energetic and loves being outside collecting rocks, playing with bubbles, and playing in water and dirt with her sand bucket and shovel. She is also reflective and is very self-aware, talking about things that happen to her. She spends a lot of time playing with her older sister, and pretending to be a mommy, or pretending to be princesses like Rapunzel, Moana, and Anna from Frozen. She remembers everything, is kind and cares about her family's feelings, and has so much love and hugs to give.

Before August’s diagnosis, she would trip, hit her head a lot, and get startled by unfamiliar sounds. Then at 15 months old, August was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma. By the time her family knew she had eye cancer, both of her retinas were detached. August was basically blind.

About a month into treatment, August had to start seeing a doctor in New York, far away from her home in Washington state. These were very important appointments that couldn’t be missed, so when there was a lapse in flight charity assistance, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation’s Travel For Care program filled that gap for August’s family, funding round-trip airline tickets so August could receive the care she needed.

“Traveling to New York so frequently is normal to her and her sister, they don't know it any other way,” said Holly, August’s mom. “Alex's Travel For Care program has helped our family in a big way. We are so extremely grateful, and the experience is only positive.”

After two years of ongoing successful treatment, August has regained vision in both of her eyes! She can see her sister and family and have adventures and experiences just like any other 3-year-old. While the family is still learning what August's visual deficits are as she gets older, her parents are very proud of who August is and how far she's come along.

“She’s my hero because she is optimistic, resilient, adaptable and accepting,” shared Holly. “She is always happy, no matter what the circumstance: August has flown to New York 22 times for her eye appointments but loves the thrill of flying. She doesn't like her eye drops or mask that she has to get before her exams, but she loves picking out "prizes" afterwards. She is able to find small joys in dark circumstances. Even when she is separated from her sister on these trips, she always says that she misses her, but says it's OK because she will see her sister soon. When she gets hurt, she will say that it’s OK because her "boo-boo" will heal soon. She understands pain, but also understands it is temporary. She will express her emotions and work through them, which is beautiful for a 3-year-old. She seeks out hugs, love, and comfort with her mom and dad and sister.”

Holly believes that it is important to let your child feel their feelings and talk about their experiences with cancer. To other families who may be facing a childhood cancer diagnosis, she says, “I think the first year is the hardest for the parents, and seeking relationships with other parents going through similar diagnoses and similar paths was extremely helpful and bonding, because they typically know exactly what you're going through. And don't be afraid to ask for financial assistance. This is the time when it is OK to ask for help. We cannot thank all our contributors enough, to get us through this season, and helped us live more normal lives.”

As August continues to be monitored through this phase of her cancer journey, Holly hopes for more awareness, education, and early detection for retinoblastoma and other childhood cancers. She hopes that families have the hassle-free option of being able to seek treatment and monitoring outside of their local options.

“My hope is that families have the option to seek care anywhere so they have access to experienced providers with high success rates, and they don't have to worry about the financial burdens of traveling to seek specialized care,” Holly said. “It needs to be easier for the sake of our children's lives.”

Information provided by Holly D., August’s mom
Updated July 2026