Addy's Army Fund

Addison Lakely Tomberlin was born on November 14, 2012. From the very beginning, she brought light to every space she entered. She grew into the most special little girl with a beautiful soul. She was healthy, happy, and completely adored.

On May 29, 2016, when Addy was just three and a half years old, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). Shortly after her diagnosis, testing revealed that her leukemia was Philadelphia Chromosome Positive, a rare and aggressive form requiring an intense and prolonged treatment plan. What followed were more than two years of relentless chemotherapy, during which Addy spent over 250 days in the hospital. Her tiny body endured more than any child ever should, struggling to withstand treatments meant to save her life.

Yet even in the hardest moments, Addy showed extraordinary courage. She smiled through exhaustion, laughed through pain, and taught everyone around her what true strength looked like.

Just eleven months after completing treatment, on May 7, 2019, Addy relapsed for a second time. Treatment began immediately, but the toll of years of chemotherapy had left her body fragile. Within a month, she was in the ICU with heart failure and could no longer tolerate the aggressive regimens her cancer required.

Then, just in time, hope arrived.

Shortly before Addy’s relapse, a groundbreaking clinical study opened for children with her type of leukemia: CAR-T Cell Therapy. Within just a few weeks, as soon as Addy was able, we were on a plane to Philadelphia…clinging to the possibility of a miracle. The CAR-T treatment was successful, and Addy was finally able to live the life she deserved.

She lived her absolute best life – happy, healthy, and free! The fear that once consumed us faded into a quiet whisper. For four beautiful years, cancer no longer defined her days.

On August 26, 2023, nearly four years after her transplant, Addy’s cancer returned. True to her brave spirit, she faced it with the same courage, love, and joy that had defined her life. Exactly one month later, on September 26, 2023, Addy left this world and entered heaven, where she could finally rest and shine without limits. A beautiful victory for our Angel girl.

Addy’s time here was far too brief, yet her impact is immeasurable. She changed lives. She taught courage without fear, love without limits, and beauty that radiated from the inside out.

Our daughter, Addy, is the bravest and strongest person we have ever known.

From the moment she was diagnosed with childhood cancer, she faced more than any child ever should – hospital rooms instead of playgrounds, treatments instead of bedtime routines, and tests that asked her to be stronger than her years. Yet through it all, she showed us what courage looks like in its purest form. She smiled when she was tired. She laughed when days were hard. She loved deeply, even when her own body was hurting. She quickly captivated and stole the hearts of everyone who came near.

As her parents, we quickly learned that childhood cancer doesn’t just affect one child…it touches siblings, parents, grandparents, and an entire community. It changes the shape of everyday life and leaves a lasting impact long after treatments end. Watching our daughter fight opened our eyes to both the incredible resilience of children and the urgent need for better treatment options that heal without causing lifelong harm.

Our daughter, Addy, is the bravest and strongest person we have ever known.

From the moment she was diagnosed with childhood cancer, she faced more than any child ever should – hospital rooms instead of playgrounds, treatments instead of bedtime routines, and tests that asked her to be stronger than her years. Yet through it all, she showed us what courage looks like in its purest form. She smiled when she was tired. She laughed when days were hard. She loved deeply, even when her own body was hurting. She quickly captivated and stole the hearts of everyone who came near.

As her parents, we quickly learned that childhood cancer doesn’t just affect one child…it touches siblings, parents, grandparents, and an entire community. It changes the shape of everyday life and leaves a lasting impact long after treatments end. Watching our daughter fight opened our eyes to both the incredible resilience of children and the urgent need for better treatment options that heal without causing lifelong harm.

Purpose of the Fund

The Addy’s Army Fund is dedicated to advancing childhood cancer research, with a special focus on innovative treatments, such as immunotherapies, that are more effective and less damaging to growing bodies. Our goal is to help move research forward so children can survive cancer and go on to live full and healthy lives. In addition to research, the fund supports programs that improve the quality of life for children in treatment, care for siblings who are often silently affected, and provide resources for families facing grief and bereavement.