9-year-old Kursten is fighting Ewing Sarcoma… pushing through every challenge with incredible strength, courage, and determination.

Kursten’s cancer journey started in November 2025 when she felt a sharp pain on her right side during a family dinner.

What first seemed like pneumonia quickly progressed into severe hip pain that made walking almost impossible. This once active and energetic girl suddenly needed help with even the smallest movements.

After multiple ER visits and extensive testing, including X-rays, ultrasounds, an MRI, a CT scan, a PET scan, and a biopsy, her family received the heartbreaking news…

Kursten was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer known as Ewing Sarcoma on December 9, 2025.

As her condition was deteriorating so quickly, her care team commenced chemotherapy before the final confirmation of her diagnosis.

Her pain and related complications have resulted in several long hospital admissions as her care team has worked urgently to manage her symptoms. She has also had multiple emergency admissions for fever and gastrointestinal issues.

This brave girl has endured a central port placement, 4x blood transfusions, 3x platelet transfusions, and 14x cycles of chemotherapy.

Each cycle of chemo has presented challenges, often sending her back to hospital shortly after going home. Over time, she has regained the ability to walk, climb stairs, and enjoy short outings, and today she can move independently and participate in light activities.

Life looks so different to before her diagnosis, but Kursten continues to find joy wherever she can… nothing can dim her smile or her spirit!

In hospital, she loves doing crafts, making slime, chatting with the nurses, and exploring the play areas. Even though she had to spend Christmas, her brother’s birthday, and New Year’s in the hospital, Kursten and her family made the best of it and those celebrations have become treasured memories. 

When she's home, she loves to play outside and is now able to play sports like baseball and soccer with her brothers, Kurtis and Keithan. She also loves to draw and play pretend chef and owning a restaurant with her kitchen toys.

Her family, her faith, and the support of her care team are her greatest sources of strength as she continues to navigate this cancer journey.

Kursten recently completed her 14th cycle of chemotherapy and her 3rd and final round of PET/CT scans.

She and her family are just waiting on the scan results to find out the next steps, which will most likely involve maintenance chemo.

Kursten, we’re riding for you this August! You’re an inspiration!