Maggie’s Journey with Leukemia – A Story of Hope and Resilience

Maggie’s Journey with Leukemia – A Story of Hope and Resilience  

When her leukemia returned, Maggie and her family faced an uphill battle — but with the expertise and compassion of the care team at Children’s Nebraska, they never felt alone. Fast forward to her celebratory Pie-in-the-Face Day, and Maggie is stronger than ever, a thriving sixth grader ready for her next chapter. 

Meet Maggie  

Maggie, a 12-year-old from Lincoln, Nebraska, has always had a spark that inspires those around her. Diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) at the age of five, Maggie underwent over two years of treatment at Children’s Nebraska, finishing in 2020. But in January 2023 her leukemia relapsed.  

Relapse is a devastating reality faced by some children diagnosed with B-ALL, a common type of blood cancer where the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells. While B-ALL is treatable — particularly in children — with advanced therapies, relapses like Maggie’s occur in about 10-20% of cases. Typical symptoms include fatigue, unexplained fever, frequent infections and bruising or bleeding.  

Innovating Maggie's Care  

For Maggie, this new treatment phase brought a mix of challenges and breakthroughs. Her care team at Children’s Nebraska introduced an innovative medication called Blinatumomab (or “Blin”), which allowed her to receive treatment while staying more connected to her daily life.  

Instead of lengthy hospital stays, Maggie carried her medication via a small backpack that connected to her port — a “game changer,” as her mother, Meagan, described it. With this, Maggie was able to continue going to school, playing the violin in her school orchestra and spending more time with peers.  

However, it wasn’t just the cutting-edge treatment that made a difference. The bond Maggie developed with Jenilee Vogel, APRN-NP, a member of her Pediatric Oncology care team, made her feel supported in ways that went beyond medical care. “We teased each other a lot,” Maggie shared with a smile, describing their special connection.  

Celebrating Milestones, Together  

After months of perseverance, Maggie reached a milestone her family had dreamed of — completing treatment once again. And how did she celebrate? By lovingly putting a whipped cream pie in Jenilee’s face!  

Maggie's Pie-in-the-Face Day captured everything Children’s Nebraska stands for — expert care, innovation and compassion. Surrounded by her care team, Maggie beamed as the room filled with cheers and laughter, marking the end of her treatment with a sweet and unforgettable moment.  

Supporting Families Like Maggie's  

Every patient deserves a care plan tailored to their medical and emotional needs, and at Children's Nebraska, that's exactly what we strive to deliver. From advanced treatments to child-focused activities that boost resilience, our team works to treat not just the diagnosis but the whole child.  

Maggie's story is one of strength and hope — a reminder that the right care team can be life-changing.