Essential Facts About Wilms' Tumor
and Its Impact on Trisomy 18

Faith's Wilm's Tumor Story

Preventive Measures for Wilms' Tumor in Trisomy 18 Individuals

  • Taking preventive measures is crucial
  • Regular screenings play a vital role
  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can contribute
Wilms tumor is the most common abdominal cancer in childhood and typically presents between ages 3 to 5 years.
Kidneys(Normal)
Normal Kidneys
There are approximately 650 new Wilms Tumor cases annually in the United States.
Kidney(Wilms Tumor)
Diagram of Wilms Tumor Kidney
Girls are slightly more likely to have Wilms than boys.
Normal Kidney Anatomy
Picture of Kidney Anatomy
Children with Trisomy 18 should undergo abdominal ultrasound screening for Wilms Tumor every six months starting at the age of 6 months. This screening should continue into adolescence.
FaithTrisomy 18, Wilms Tumor Survivor
Faith, Wilms Tumor Survivor
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Wilms’ tumor, also known as nephroblastoma, is a type of kidney cancer that primarily affects children. In the context of Trisomy 18, Wilms’ tumor can have a significant impact on the overall health and well-being of individuals with this condition. It is essential to understand the key facts about Wilms’ tumor and its relationship with Trisomy 18 to ensure proper management and support.

Wilm's Tumor Xray for Trisomy 18 child

Faith's Journey: A Story of Strength and Hope

Faith during her wilm Tumor journey
Faith, a true fighter, rests after her diagnosis of Wilms Tumor. Despite the odds, her journey showcases strength, resilience, and the power of hope.

Faith was born in January 2019, already defying the odds of her Trisomy 18 diagnosis. Doctors said she had a slim chance of survival and predicted a life of pain. But from the start, Faith proved them wrong. She survived the removal of a ventilator in her first week and fought off a virus at just two months old.

As her mother, I quickly learned that I would need to advocate for Faith every day. The medical world labeled her “incompatible with life,” but she was thriving. One of my major concerns was the increased cancer risk children with Trisomy 18 face, particularly Wilms Tumor, a type of kidney cancer. We requested cancer screenings for Faith at her first genetics appointment, but the doctor initially denied them.

Months later, I received a call from the genetics department admitting that Faith was indeed at higher risk, and they sent us the screening orders. With the arrival of cold season and the COVID-19 pandemic, I hesitated to take her in. However, a doctor reminded me that the need for screening was more urgent than the risk of exposure.

On August 20, 2020, Faith had an ultrasound. The technician suddenly became quiet, and later that day, we learned something was wrong. Faith had multiple nephroblastomas—precancerous lesions on both kidneys—and a two-inch tumor on her left kidney. It was Wilms Tumor.

Her oncologist, Dr. Meade, laid out a plan for four months of chemotherapy. Six weeks in, an MRI revealed incredible news—the tumor had completely dissolved.

On January 15, 2021, Faith rang the bell, signaling the end of her chemo and her victory over cancer. Today, she continues to defy expectations and will celebrate three years in remission in 2025.

Comprehensive Articles on Wilms' Tumor and Its Link to Trisomy 18