Cancer Cannot Get This 10-Year-Old Down

KEOTA –  The year 2020 has been a strange and difficult year for all of us but the added challenges the Galindo family of Keota faced this year were enormous. Yet, they are grateful.

On April 22, 2020 ten year old Aubrey, daughter of Megan and Marcus Galindo, listened as the doctor explained to her parents that the extreme back pain she had been experiencing was due to Ewing Sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that grows in the bones or in the soft tissue around bones. In Aubrey's case, the tumor was located low on her spine in the second lumbar vertebrae just above her tailbone.    

After her annual physical in late summer of 2019, Aubrey was suspected of having scoliosis when her primary care physician noticed a rotation in her spine. The Galindo's took Aubrey to see a specialist at University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital and were initially relieved that the doctor determined that Aubrey did not have scoliosis but that they wanted to continue to monitor her.  

In early April 2020, shortly after the declaration of the Covid-19 pandemic caused the closure of Iowa schools and the stay at home proclamations went into effect, Aubrey began to experience back pain that was so severe it would wake her at night. Mrs. Galindo wasn't certain if she should take Aubrey to the doctor for a “back ache” during the restrictions. But Aubrey's physician wanted to see her. After an abnormal MRI scan, Aubrey was again referred to the specialist at Stead Family Children’s Hospital. 

After additional tests, including a biopsy, were completed on April 22, the Ewing Sarcoma diagnosis was determined. The good news was that the tumor was localized and had not metastasized (spread) to other parts of Aubrey's body. Aubrey immediately underwent a surgical procedure to place a port in her chest and the next day, April 23, she began an aggressive treatment plan of in-patient chemotherapy, surgery and radiation treatments.  Mrs. Galindo stated that the first night of chemo “was bad” but that the pain in Aubrey's back “was gone by day two”.  

By July, chemo had reduced the tumor, allowing surgeons to remove the remaining tumor as well as the affected L2 vertebrae. Although she still wears the brace she was fitted with after surgery, it won't be long before Aubrey no longer needs it and she will get back to playing basketball, volleyball and softball. Aubrey has continued to smile, stay positive and remain forward looking throughout her treatments. Her mother refers to her as “my hero”.  

On Friday Dec. 4, Aubrey completed her final in-patient chemotherapy session and was serenaded by hospital staff in celebration. As is tradition, Aubrey also “rang the bell” letting all within earshot know that she had completed her chemo treatments. Aubrey will still need to complete radiation therapy over the next month. Ewing tumors are sensitive to radiation so radiation therapy was included in her treatment plan to ensure success.  The family now just waits to hear that Aubrey is “cancer free” with no evidence of disease remaining.

Mrs. Galindo expressed her deep gratitude for the wonderful support the Keota and Sigourney communities have extended to her family. “I just want to say thank you to everyone for their good wishes, prayers, love, financial support, meals, GoFundMe contributions (BreBrave), just everything everyone has done for Aubrey and our family,” Mrs. Galindo stated, adding “We are very grateful.”

Along with Aubrey, Megan and Marcus Galindo have five additional children including Ashton (13),  Ayden (11),  Allie (9), Altyn (3), and Aylor (8 months). The Galindos were high school sweethearts and are both graduates of Keota High School.