Two summers ago, Tori Boyton’s mom, Kimberly, noticed a mark on Tori’s head that grew from a small, red spot into a larger bump. Kimberly scheduled an appointment to have Tori’s bump checked by a physician. As the week progressed, Kimberly noticed more red dots, similar to blood blisters, forming on Tori’s head. As a result, her doctor requested Tori’s bloodwork be done.
After an X-Ray of Tori’s head, an ultrasound of her belly and bloodwork, the doctors found an atypical hemangioma spot on her liver and placed her in contact with a gastroenterologist (GI). While the Boytons waited for a call from the GI, purple and brown dots continued appearing all over Tori’s face and legs.
Tori was immediately transported to the ER, where tests revealed that she was suffering from leukemia. Tori and her family were then rushed to UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital where they confirmed Tori’s diagnosis of high risk infant acute lymphoid leukemia and began a course of chemotherapy.
The doctors at UF Health mapped out a two-and-a-half-year treatment plan for Tori. She remained an inpatient at UF Health for more than two months. Now, she makes weekly visits to UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital for regular treatments and scheduled hospital stays.
Tori’s treatment is expected to finish this September, a little more than two years after her mom spotted those “spots.” She and her family plan to continue fighting on behalf of other cancer patients and their families, spreading awareness and raising support as a Children’s Miracle Network Ambassador Family.
“We will always be cancer parents,” Kimberly said. “We have cried, been mad, sad and happy. But we will continue being amazed at how strong our baby girl is!”