Mighty Maggie: Bringing Awareness To Childhood Cancer

by Brooke Ezzo | photos courtesy of Crystal Novion

Alow-grade fever and a few bruises that wouldn’t go away did not automatically alarm Crystal Novion. But listening to her motherly intuition, she decided to take her 14-month-old daughter to the doctor one more time.

In late May 2020, Maggie Novion’s pediatrician reviewed her lab work with doctors at Cook’s Childrens Hospital in Fort Worth, and they determined Maggie had a form of Leukemia called Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). This type of leukemia starts in the bone marrow and causes the stem cells to produce more white blood cells than are needed. On June 1, Maggie was admitted to the hospital to start treatment.

“For the first couple of weeks, I was in a daze,” Crystal said. “I have moments where it is still so surreal. As a parent, it’s your worst nightmare.”

Since being admitted, Maggie has been on a medical rollercoaster. From struggling to breathe due to fluid in her lungs, a swollen liver, undergoing chemotherapy that led to multiple side effects to a bone marrow transplant, she is the definition of a warrior.

Luckily for Maggie, her daddy, Xander was a match for the bone marrow transplant. On July 29, the donation was completed. The hope is that the stem cells grow and start producing new red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The stem cells given to Maggie through an IV over the course of a few hours were a new beginning to the next part of her journey. There is so much happening with Maggie each day that Crystal and Xander found it hard to keep everyone updated on her progress. The Mighty Maggie Facebook group was started so that friends and family could post prayers and comments. Crystal and Xander could also post pictures and updates.

“The community has been amazing,” Crystal said. “The Facebook group has helped to bring everyone together and to share her story. We are so thankful for friends, family, and the community.”

Crystal said Maggie is an amazing baby. She is always calm and relaxed. She loves to read and look at books, and she loves Sesame Street. The fact that through all of this, Maggie is still able to smile, giggle, and play Peek-a-boo brings their family a lot of comfort and hope.

As of August 28, Maggie’s liver was on the mend, slightly swollen but free of any blockage. The family said the doctor is optimistic about the bone marrow transplant because her cell counts were recovering quickly. They have started to reduce her medications with the hope of getting her back on solid food, and they look forward to finding out when they can bring Maggie home.

The month of September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and the Novion family is encouraged to emphasize the importance of research and listening to your gut.

“As a mom or as a parent, you are your kids’ biggest advocate,” Crystal said. “When something doesn’t sit right, don’t second guess yourself.”

To donate to the family, visit www.GoFundMe.com and search Mighty Maggie, or follow her story in the Facebook group. But, most importantly, the Novion family asks for and appreciates your prayers. They truly believe the prayers have given them strength to continue forward.