Cheyenne’s Legacy
Cheyenne Grace Nowland was born on March 15, 2024. She was the most precious baby girl, loved and adored by her parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Cheyenne enjoyed going to church on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights with her parents and especially loved spending time in the church nursery with her new friends. She cherished family hikes in her baby carrier, spending time in the shop with her dad, napping with her mom, and listening to her parents sing old hymns to her at night before bed.
On May 6, 2024, Cheyenne was admitted to Children’s of Alabama due to weight loss and inadequate eating. Her pediatrician also noted an upward trend in her head circumference. On May 7, 2024, at just 7 weeks old, a head ultrasound revealed a mass on her optic nerve. This led to further tests, including a CT scan, MRI, and, a few days later, a biopsy of the mass. Cheyenne was diagnosed with a Grade 2 Pilomyxoid Astrocytoma and soon began chemotherapy.
About a month into chemotherapy, a change in symptoms prompted a new CT scan, which revealed significant tumor growth and new metastatic spots on her spine. Cheyenne underwent emergency surgery to place a shunt to address fluid buildup in her head. Her medical team quickly developed a new treatment plan to address the tumor’s unexpected rapid growth. Due to the tumor’s location, surgical removal was not an option, so a revised chemotherapy plan was implemented.
A few days after starting the new chemotherapy, Cheyenne suffered a massive stroke. Her family was told she had only hours or days left to live. Despite the prognosis, Cheyenne defied all odds and fought on for another three and a half weeks. She passed away on July 19, 2024, at 4 months old, surrounded by her loving family and her dedicated oncology team.
Our Donation Story
A few days after Cheyenne’s stroke, her parents asked her primary oncologist if there was any way her tumor could help other children facing a similar diagnosis. That’s when her oncologist introduced them to the tissue donation program through Gift from a Child. After Cheyenne passed away, she was able to donate tumor and spinal cord tissue to the program. During her life, Cheyenne touched countless lives across the country and the world by uniting them through prayer.
Cheyenne continues to make a difference today and in the future through her tissue donation.
Page Nowland
Mom
