MONROE COUNTY, W.Va. (WVDN) – Several years ago, in 2021, a local family received the devastating news that their daughter, Aimee, had brain cancer. She underwent various treatments, but sadly, this particular type of cancer, a glioblastoma, is incurable. At the time, doctors gave Aimee a dismal prognosis of weeks, possibly months. However, this young girl defied all odds; not only did she survive past her prognosis, but she just received some incredible news.
Aimee’s parents recently took her to see her team in Morgantown for some scans and other tests. According to her mother, Korie Baker, the cancer is moving incredibly slowly, something the doctors never would have predicted. It has not metastasized into her spine. Instead, it is still contained within her brain. Baker noted that the cancer began as just a tumor, but it started to diffuse, which, in Baker’s words, means that it grows in “tendrils like a weed or roots.” In the last two years, the tumor and tendrils have only grown a small amount, which Baker called “amazing.”
The type of cancer Aimee has is known to move quickly. According to Baker, the rate it is currently growing does not match what the genetic testing says it should be doing. According to her mom, Aimee has never followed the textbook examples and has always taken her own path while fighting cancer. Both Aimee and her parents have relied on faith in God to get through this diagnosis and call this slow tumor growth nothing short of a miracle. In a previous interview with Aimee, she stated that if just one person came to God because of her, it would all be worth it, presenting a staggering amount of faith for someone so young.
Unfortunately, this slowed-down growth does not mean Aimee is cured. She still struggles daily with physical and mental limitations; she endures headaches and vomiting. As a vibrant teenage girl, these things can undoubtedly become frustrating at best. Baker said, “Sometimes it’s still really rough on her.” At any time, things could change, and the cancer could begin growing rapidly, but for now, doctors believe it is possible that Aimee could have years left on this earth.
While there is shockingly little funding that goes into childhood cancer and even less into the specific type Aimee has, the Bakers are hopeful that with the added time Aimee has been granted, a more effective treatment may be developed.
In addition to Aimee’s good report, the family got another bit of good news recently. As many wheelchair users know, having a wheelchair-accessible van can make a world of difference. The Bakers purchased a van to help get Aimee to doctor’s appointments and other outings. Thanks to recent fundraising efforts, the van has been paid off, and the family has enough left over to build a pathway so Aimee does not have to be in the mud while going to and from the driveway.
One of the fundraisers was organized by Susan Smith-Linton, the Director of Operations at The West Virginia Daily News. She garnered assistance from Tia Mattox and Sandy Holmes, also from WVDN. Smith-Linton and the entire newspaper team have been following Aimee’s story for quite some time. Many on and off the WVDN team have found inspiration from this resilient young woman.
Despite the difficulties young Aimee has faced in her short life, she continues to be a happy and incredible individual. The Bakers wish to thank the community for their unwavering support, love and help, “which is such a blessing.” Korie Baker said Aimee “loves her community,” and she’s “just very touched” by all the support. Additionally, she asked that the community continue to pray for Aimee because, without a miracle, the cancer will cause Aimee’s health to deteriorate and eventually take her life.
WVDN will continue to follow Aimee in her journey.
