'A Little Girl’s Big Fight': Toddler Battles Rare Cancer, Westbrook Community Rallies Support

WESTBROOK, CT — Stacy Royce and Fred Schwab III have given back so much over the years through their service in the Westbrook Chemical Engine Company No. 1 /Westbrook Fire Department that they are now in need of your help.

In 2024, their daughter Hazel was born, and a "routine checkup led to devastating news — Hazel was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer."

"A large mass was found in her chest/abdomen and is currently inoperable due to its size and proximity to vital organs, including the spinal cord. Hazel must undergo chemotherapy to shrink the tumor before surgery can be safely performed," according to a GoFundMe page, which has been set up to assist the family in their time of need.

The good news is that the cancer hasn't spread, but the "family now faces mounting medical bills, missed work, travel for care, and the added challenges of limited space and isolation while trying to keep Hazel safe from illness during treatment."

"This has placed an overwhelming emotional and financial strain on the family as they care for Hazel while also supporting their 6-year-old daughter, Paige," according to the GoFundme page.

Stacy has served the department for 16 years and is currently the department secretary. Fred has been an auxiliary member, always supporting firefighters and the community.

According to the GoFundMe page, Stacy and Fred are high school sweethearts who married in 2017 and had their first child, Paige in 2019 and Hazel in 2024.

The Westbrook Fire Department shared the GoFundMe on their Facebook page and asked, "We’re asking our community, near and far to keep Hazel and her family in your thoughts and prayers. If you’re able, please consider donating to help ease the financial burden so her parents can focus on what matters most: helping Hazel fight and heal. Every share, every dollar, and every message of support truly makes a difference."

"No family should ever have to walk this journey alone," the fire department added.

Donations will specifically aid with medical bills, travel for specialized care, and household expenses.

You can view the GoFundMe page here. More than $19,000 has been raised as of Saturday with a goal of $100,000.