Beautiful old soul, wise beyond her years, cautious adventurer, and straight-A student are just a few adjectives that can be used to describe Kasey Mikes, but she was so much more. She was kind and affectionate – cuddling and giving hugs were two of her favorite things. She truly cared for others and was compassionate beyond belief. Kasey enjoyed cheerleading, Legos and Barbies. She loved reading and riding her bike. She was an art student and had a passion for chocolate pudding. She loved her family, especially her twin sister, Caleigh.

Kasey began suffering from headaches, dizziness and general not feeling well. Within two weeks, Kasey visited the emergency room three times and stat care two times; each time doctors said it was just a sinus infection. On August 21, 2016, after no improvement, Kasey’s mom brought her to the Akron Children’s Hospital Emergency Room, where she was diagnosed with an aggressive and inoperable form of brain cancer known as DIPG. After diagnosis, Kasey and her family tried to live as normal as possible and enjoy the good times, like meeting all the characters at Disney World. Throughout treatment, Kasey remained happy and positive despite all the hospital visits and pokes and prods. She continued giggling and creating elaborate blanket fort plans with her twin, Caleigh. Kasey’s 12-month battle came to an end on August 27, 2017 when she received her angel wings at the age of 11.

No parent should have to hear a doctor tell them, “there’s nothing we can do. She probably has nine months to live.” The only way to stop this from continuing to happen is through funding pediatric brain cancer research.

1 in 330 children in the U.S. will develop cancer by age 20.

On the average, 15,500 children are diagnosed with cancer each year.

Cancer is the #1 killer of children by disease in the United States, yet it remains one of the most underfunded diseases in the world.

The Cure Starts Now focuses on the Homerun Cure™ to all cancers by concentrating our research funding efforts on the deadliest forms of cancer. With over $15 million in pediatric brain cancer research funding to date, you can rest assured that 100% of your donation, after credit card processing, will go directly to innovative research. Please join us in funding crucial research to save our youngest of warriors.