Like most four-year-olds, Adeline Lovell was full of energy, constantly on the move, and endlessly curious about the world around her. But one Fourth of July weekend in Clear Lake, Iowa, her boundless vitality suddenly slowed. She napped in the middle of the day, something her parents, Chris and Morgan, knew was unusual. By the end of the celebration, a small rash appeared on her back. Thinking it might be a heat rash or a reaction to swimming, they sent a photo to Adeline’s pediatrician, Kristin Avery, DO.

Avery, a lifelong friend of Morgan’s who had completed her residency at University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, recognized the danger immediately. She suspected the rash was petechiae—pinpoint-sized dots under the skin that can signal leukemia. Tests confirmed the probability, and Adeline’s parents faced a reality no parent should have to confront: their young daughter might have cancer.

“We asked Avery what she would do if her own daughter had cancer,” Chris recalls. “Without hesitating, she said, ‘I would absolutely go to Stead.’” Following her advice, the family drove to Stead Family Children’s Hospital and met pediatric hematologist/oncologist Dr. Jessica Zimmerman, who had trained Avery and would become Adeline’s oncologist. “It’s just remarkable to have this connection,” Chris says. “It’s been such a blessing.”

At the hospital, Adeline received an official diagnosis: high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia, an aggressive form of cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow. Chris explains the urgency: “High-risk acute leukemia is very fast acting. If you don’t address it, it will kill the patient quickly. Time is of the essence.” Despite the fear, a full care team welcomed the family, offering professionalism, empathy, and humanity that helped them navigate the most difficult day of their lives. “From the second we got there, we were met with nothing but care. I can’t imagine being anywhere else,” Chris says.

Adeline started chemotherapy immediately, but the treatment was not without complications. A few months into therapy, she suffered anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction to the medication. Her airway constricted, and her tiny body began to swell. Nurses acted quickly, saving her life. As Chris recalls, “It happened pretty fast. Everyone came running. The amazing nursing staff saved her life.” The incident meant she could no longer receive that specific chemotherapy, requiring a new treatment plan with a series of shots in her leg.

Despite these challenges, moments of joy and support made an indelible impact. During a two-week hospital stay for her leg shots, Adeline had the unique experience of seeing the Hawkeye Wave during a home football game, an incredible gesture of community support. “There are no words to describe the feeling of 70,000 people turning and waving at your daughter in the midst of such a challenge,” Chris says. Later, during a celebration welcoming the Iowa women’s basketball team home after the NCAA national championship, star player Caitlin Clark approached Adeline, then a little bald-headed girl in her cheerleader outfit, and gave her and her younger brother a fist bump, creating a moment that would be featured on the front page of their hometown newspaper.

Now six years old and in first grade, Adeline is thriving. She loves art, dance, gymnastics, and jumping on the trampoline, and she dreams of becoming a Hawkeye cheerleader. Her parents describe her as a bundle of joy: spunky, happy, outgoing, and strong-willed—a fighter in every sense of the word. Her cancer is in remission, with chemotherapy scheduled to conclude in November, but her experience has already shaped her character and the family’s outlook on life.

Adeline’s story extends beyond her own survival. She has been involved in community efforts such as blood drives and toy drives for patients, sharing her experience and inspiring others. Her father, Chris, even ran the Chicago Marathon for the first time as part of the Dance Marathon team to raise funds for Stead Family Children’s Hospital, underscoring the family’s dedication to giving back.

Dr. Zimmerman reflects on the privilege of caring for children like Adeline: “To see a kid go through challenging things like she has and come out continuing to be bright and bubbly—it’s inspiring. That’s the happy part most people don’t think of when they hear ‘pediatric oncology.’” Her parents echo this sentiment, noting the extraordinary support and humanity of the hospital staff. “They become like family,” Morgan says. “You see them every other day. They were there to give me a hug and be that support system.”

For the Lovells, Stead Family Children’s Hospital has become more than a medical facility—it has become a place of safety, understanding, and love. “We miss Iowa City when we are away,” Chris says. “There’s this unspoken support for patients. You feel loved. You feel at home. It will always be a special place for us.”

Adeline’s journey is a testament to resilience, family dedication, and the extraordinary care that can make all the difference. From the first signs of illness to her ongoing treatment, she has faced adversity with courage beyond her years. Today, she continues to grow, play, and dream, reminding everyone around her that even in the darkest times, hope, compassion, and determination can shine brighter than fear.