Audrey Westfall, a 13-year-old from central West Virginia, had her life turned upside down when she was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).

When she was seven years old, Audrey’s parents, Megan and Chad Westfall, noticed their daughter often complained of shortness of breath.

They took Audrey to their family pediatrician, who immediately referred them to WVU Medicine Children’s. She was quickly diagnosed with ALL and began treatment the next day.

ALL is a rapidly progressing cancer of the blood and bone marrow that targets white blood cells known as lymphocytes. It is the most common form of childhood leukemia and often develops suddenly. Early signs can include fatigue, unexplained bruising, frequent fevers, bone pain, or shortness of breath.

“Acute lymphocytic leukemia begins in the bone marrow, where it continues to multiply uncontrollably,” said Patrick Tomboc, D.O., chief of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at WVU Medicine Children’s. “As these abnormal cells grow, they crowd out the healthy cells the body needs to function.”

Audrey’s treatments took two and a half years, but she is now cancer-free and back to doing all the things she loves without being short of breath.

Megan credits WVU Medicine Children’s with not only saving her daughter but bringing joy during a difficult time for their family.

“Audrey’s entire care team became our family,” Megan said. “We were just blown away by all the support and care we received.”

To watch an interview with Audrey, click here. To learn more about WVU Medicine Children’s, visit WVUKids.com.