Maren’s Story

We were at the beach. Every time we tell Maren’s story it starts off the same way. Maren Kaniewski was a vibrant, witty and fun loving 6 year old enjoying the end of an amazing summer in August 2017. With the start of first grade a few days away, Maren and her family visited the beach for a last hurrah.

Maren had some bruising on her legs which was though to be from playing with her cousins on a swingset. Her 6 year old molar was pushing through and her gums began to bleed. The next several days included a dental consult, a peek at the solar eclipse, tiredness, some beach time, an upset tummy, a jackpot at the arcade, more bleeding and shell collecting. Maren was determined to have fun, but mixed in with the good times, something just wasn’t right.

Within an hour of arriving at Children’s Hopsital of Philadelphia, we were told Maren had leukemia and our world was forever changed. Within 48 hours it was determined that Maren had Acute Myeloid Leukemia and her first round of chemotherapy began. We were still wearing our flip flops with sand between our toes.

Maren was fierce. She found the inner strength needed to face very scary challenges each day. She fought through pain and fear while still being able to crack a perfectly timed joke. After her first round of treatment, Maren was found to be in remission. This was the best news we could hope for but we were guarded in our relief, for we knew the risks of relapse with AML was high. Our fears were realized one day after Christmas when we learned Maren’s leukemia was back, she had relapsed while still in treatment. Her second relapse would come in March 2018, just days before she was to begin preparation for bone marrow transplant.

Maren’s fierce fight lasted 241 days. She spent over 150 days inpatient at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia with many additional clinic visits during her days at home. Maren’s greatest wish was just to be at home. It is at home, surrounded by love, where she passed on to heaven, April 21, 2018.

Maren’s Fierce Fighters is dedicated to continuing the fight in Maren’s honor. Through this experience we have seen first hand the need for new and innovate ways to treat childhood leukemia. We will raise funds to support research in the hopes of finding a cure. We will support families who find themselves in the same battle.