Toddler Beats Stage Four Cancer After 15 Months Of Aggressive Treatment, Mom Thanks God

Apr 11, 2019

Although cancer mainly affects adults, children and babies are rarely diagnosed with rare diseases from lymphoma and leukemia to central nervous system tumors like neuroblastoma. In fact, more than 650 cases of neuroblastoma are diagnosed annually in the U.S., according to the National Cancer Institute.

WebMD further reports that around half of neuroblastoma patients “have tumors with what doctors call an ‘unfavorable biology,’ which means that the cancer is particularly aggressive. In such cases, only 30% to 40% of patients survive.

In 2017, Molly Hughes, then 5 months old, was diagnosed with this aggressive form of cancer: stage four neuroblastoma.

The infant, who hails from Kentucky, underwent 15 months of cancer treatment, fighting for her life while her family cheered her on. As WBKO reported in April 2019, Molly’s routine was a series of surgeries, chemo and radiation — among other procedures.

"With nueroblastoma it's so aggressive that they have to treat it that hard," Molly’s mother, Chelsea, told WBKO.

Molly’s story spread across the internet back in 2017 after Andrea Biller Ingram organized a GoFundMe for her medical expenses. 

“On November 24, Molly got sent to the ER after having a swollen and hard tummy,” the original GoFundMe post reads. “Her parents stayed hopeful that it was just something minor. Doctors suspected a bowel blockage and recommended a cat scan to diagnose the issue. Results of the scan were much worse than anyone anticipated. Molly has a large tumor on her kidney and liver and has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma. Doctors are currently working on a treatment plan for sweet Molly in hopes that she can overcome this prognosis.”

Luckily, Molly did overcome. In April 2019, WBKO reported that Molly was cancer-free.

"I kinda just fell to the ground after I got off the phone and I just hugged for her like five minutes," Chelsea told the local outlet.

At that time, Molly was enjoying her new life outside of the hospital. 

"She loves being outside from the time she gets up til she goes to bed, she's just wild," Chelsea said. "So full of energy and just loves doing what a baby should be doing."

While there’s no doubt that the doctors played a crucial role in saving Molly’s life, Chelsea told WBKO that her daughter’s strength and the support they received were also critical.

"I believe that's what's helped her get through is all the prayers she's had and we just can't thank everybody enough for praying for her and supporting us through all of this," a tearful Chelsea told the outlet.

According to a Sept. 17, 2021, Facebook post, it appears that Molly, who is now 4, is still in remission.

“Happy face for clear scans today!! Our girl is 2 1/2 years cancer free!!!!” Chelsea wrote on Facebook.

Chelsea has continually updated her Facebook profile to let her family, friends and followers know how Molly is doing.

In November 2021, she shared that Molly was contacted by the non-profit Make-A-Wish Foundation. Although COVID-19 got in the way of Molly’s first wish to go to Disneyland, the foundation came up with a replacement.

“We met with the representative from Make a Wish and she went over other options that she could pick from,” Chelsea explained on Facebook. 

“She mentioned a swing set, a trampoline & when she mentioned a golf cart Molly’s eyes lit up! She said she wanted a blue golf cart! Everyone was a little surprised that a 3 year old wanted a golf cart but that’s what she picked!”

Later that month, Chelsea also took the time to reflect on her daughter’s cancer diagnosis, which she says she has since tried to forget.

“I almost want to just forget it ever happened. But the struggle is what made us who we are today,” Chelsea wrote.

“Every time I thought we were out of hope or when we lost our strength, I would remember what God told me on that first night. He gave us the strength to help our baby girl fight. 

This will always be the greatest part of our story, God never left us!” Chelsea continued. 

“He carried us through it all! She’s alive & healthy, for that we are so thankful. He’s a great, great God! All of the heartache & the fighting that we had to do is what made us who we are today. It’s been 4 years today but it feels like it was just yesterday. Molly is a feisty, sassy, strong girl & such an inspiration to us all. Our girl is a fighter through & through!”

Today, Molly’s story likely continues to be an inspiration for the many children diagnosed with cancer — not to mention those of us who are blown away by this little girl’s resilience. 

As one commenter wrote, sharing Molly’s story is sure to give other family’s hope.

Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with cancer? And if so, how have you remained hopeful? Let us know — and be sure to pass Molly’s incredible story on to others.