About Cordelia
Created in honor of one courageous little girl, this fund supports research that fights for what she and countless others facing childhood cancers like infant leukemia deserved: more birthdays.
Cordelia’s hero fund exists because children like her deserve infinitely more than what the world is currently offering them. This fund supports critical research into leukemia, with a priority focus on infant leukemia, so that better treatments, more options, and improved outcomes can become possible for these small fighters.
Cordelia was the happiest little girl you could ever meet. She started smiling on day one, and she simply never stopped. Her laugh could fill a room with love, and her smile could melt even the coldest of hearts. Being near her was like basking in sunshine. She was impossibly adorable, full of bravery and joy, and the embodiment of all things beautiful.
Cordelia was a gal with many interests. She had a big heart for music, and her whole face would light up when her favorite songs came on. She adored being outdoors, and was fascinated by every leaf and cool rock she could get her hands on. Bubbles made her giggle every time, and she could never get enough of letting them pop on her nose. Her favorite activity was going on long stroller and wagon rides. She enjoyed watching the sights as they passed her by. Cordelia loved all of her toys of course, but her favorite items might have been her books. A true bookworm at heart, flipping through the pages and gazing at the photos with intent. She could sit for book after book, fully absorbed in each word. She was wonderfully silly, deeply joyful, and a bright soul who found magic in everything around her.
Cordelia was diagnosed with infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with KMT2A rearrangement just after turning six months old. It came without warning. Her only symptom was a small, discolored bump on the back of her head. It was checked at her routine six-month appointment after lingering for a couple of weeks. Labs were ordered just to be safe. That same night, we received the call that changed everything: her bloodwork was concerning for leukemia.
Infant leukemia is rare, aggressive, difficult to treat, and under-researched due to its low patient population. Cordelia’s case involved a high-risk genetic marker (the KMT2A rearrangement) that poses unique challenges in treatment and prognosis. Unfortunately, the vast majority of infant leukemia cases will have this same high-risk rearrangement. Despite the incredibly unfair hand she was dealt, she lived with grace and wonder. She never let this disease define her. She was so much more than this diagnosis. She was pure light.
She underwent intense treatment and reached remission. We enjoyed and cherished those months of hope, making sweet memories each day. Sadly, the leukemia returned. It came back fast and unforgiving, a story that so many know all too well. This disease is relentless. It knows how to adapt and resist. We gave our perfect girl back to heaven on September 28, 2024. She gifted us more love and beautiful memories than some receive in a lifetime. She was 14 months old.
Cordelia brought immeasurable joy to everyone fortunate enough to know her. No words will ever be sufficient to honor her. We are proud to partner with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation to ensure that every dollar raised in her name goes directly toward advancing science and funding lifesaving research.
Our dream is a future where a diagnosis doesn’t come with limited understanding and treatment options simply because it’s rare. A future where children like Cordelia aren’t robbed of their birthdays. A future where their laughter keeps echoing. Not just in memory, but in life.