Meet Nevaeh

Nevaeh got to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh “in the nick of time.”

That’s how her mom, Rachael, describes the terrifying day Nevaeh was rushed to the hospital via helicopter.

Doctors in their hometown discovered Nevaeh was critically ill. They acted fast, transferring her to UPMC Children’s Hospital for lifesaving care.

“When we got here, her blood was 90 percent cancer cells,” Rachael says. “She came in the nick of time.”

Nevaeh was diagnosed with a rare illness called acute promyelocytic leukemia. She was hospitalized for 50 days and received daily chemotherapy. Now, she visits for monthly treatments, undergoing chemo for five days in a row. Soon, she’ll have a bone marrow treatment.

The treatments are hard, but Nevaeh has a positive attitude and always looks on the bright side. Between treatments, she plays with her little sister, Amaria, and enjoys music therapy. She has proved to be a fast learner and makes it look effortless when she performs songs on her music therapist’s ukulele.

Rachael is forever grateful for the care that’s helping her daughter fight cancer, and for all the support they’ve received along the way.

“The staff here has been amazing,” Rachael says. “They’re like family. This has been a home away from home.