South Windsor Girl, 4, Fighting Leukemia

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — Lilyana Berson turned four years old on Oct. 6, and celebrated a few days later dressed up as Wonder Woman with her family and friends. As she smiled and played happily, no one knew that the pain she complained of in her stomach and legs weeks earlier, and was after a brief hospital stay thought to be a virus, were actually symptoms of something much more serious.

As doctors at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center continued to follow-up on abnormal blood work after her first release from the hospital in late September, it was discovered on Oct. 26 that this sweet, caring little girl actually had B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B Cell ALL). Lily was immediately admitted to CCMC to begin the induction phase of her treatment, where she remained for three weeks.

Though the effects of the treatment vary from day to day, with the support of her loving family and many people that care for her deeply, Lily remains strong.

Lilyana’s parents, Adam and Paula Berson, are a part of a very tight and caring community in South Windsor. Adam is a United States postal worker and Paula is a stay at home mom, working per diem as a Social Worker while pursuing her Master’s degree. Lily has two brothers, Kyle, 14, and Brayden, 7, who have been two of her biggest supporters.

As too many people unfortunately know, a cancer diagnosis can throw a family into emotional and financial turmoil. While Adam took time off from work, Paula has taken leave from work and put her education and career plans on hold for at least the next 24-30 months while Lily continues to receive treatment.

Treatment for B cell ALL is a long process which includes chemotherapy, steroid treatments, periodic spinal taps/bone marrow aspiration, and blood transfusions as needed. Lily has already gone through more than many of us can imagine and has a tough road ahead of her. She continues to amaze those around her with her strength and courage. She is truly a little Wonder Woman.

If you would like to support Lily and her family through this difficult time, please visit the GoFundMe that was set-up on their behalf: https://www.gofundme.com/o2zc60.

Story by Shayna Jones
Photo courtesy of the Berson family