CINCINNATI — Meet Mariah, a 20-month-old who lights up the room with her laughter, even while undergoing dialysis. She is a testament to resilience, faced with complex health challenges since birth.
Mariah was born in Kentucky but spent her early days at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital’s NICU. Doctors found she had a rare condition called a cloacal anomaly, and they needed to perform surgery that couldn’t be done at her birth hospital. Her mother, Deborah Way, explains, “They told me she had to be sent to Cincinnati Children’s because they couldn’t operate on a baby her size.”
In addition to her condition, Mariah was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer linked to the RB1 gene. She began chemotherapy when she was just a month old, and treatment continued until December 2024. However, the doctors eventually had to stop her treatment because her body couldn’t handle it anymore.
Even through these health struggles, Mariah’s spirit shines. “It’s incredible how bubbly she is,” Deborah says. “It feels like a gift from God.”
Last summer marked a crucial time for Mariah as her kidney function worsened. The doctors decided she needed dialysis three times a week for her survival. This requires long drives from Danville, Kentucky, to Cincinnati—about three hours each way. Deborah notes that the journey can be tough and worries about their aging car, which often struggles to start.
To complicate matters further, Mariah has been diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia, requiring corrective surgery and special cast care afterward. This will need a specially designed car seat, and the family is concerned about having a vehicle large enough to accommodate it all.
Through these trials, Deborah finds strength in her faith. She has experienced the loss of her first child to SIDS, a heart-wrenching experience that adds to her resolve. “That loss gives me the strength to fight for Mariah every single day,” she reflects.
Mariah continues to receive treatment amid the love and support of her family and community. Updates about her journey and ways to help can be found on the Team Mariah Facebook page, where people come together to offer prayers and support.
Mariah’s story illustrates not just resilience in the face of adversity but also the importance of community in navigating difficult times. As of 2023, over 15,000 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer annually, and support networks like Team Mariah are essential for providing care and companionship for families facing similar battles.
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9 On Your Side,Cincinnati news,WCPO
