INDIANAPOLIS — Londyn Hoffman is an inspiring young lady.
We introduced you to Londyn before, as she was battling a rare cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma. The Westfield community rallied behind the Hoffman family as she proudly cheered on her older brother and his Westfield Middle School football team.
Rhabdomyosarcoma forms in soft tissue and can occur at any age – but it most often affects children.
Now 8 years old, Londyn has had to battle and beat it twice.
"It's the longest that Londyn's has been in remission. She beat cancer the first time, and it came back about six months later. But as of last week she's been in remission for one year," said Jenna Hoffman, Londyn's mother.
Londyn has been a Riley Kid since she was a baby.
"After a lot of testing, we learned that Londyn has some gene changes – that they don't know enough about – so its what we call an undiagnosed genetic condition," Jenna said.
Londyn has had one of her eyes removed after doctors found a tumor behind it.
Jenna said her daughter's cancer battle highlights the need for funding for pediatric cancer research.
"I think a lot of people joke and think I'm a doctor in the room, but I've really just learned to speak up and ask a million questions and to not stop" said Jenna.
Londyn gladly welcomed 13News into her “she shed,” a gift from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, for some "home cooking." She loves the space that’s made just for her, and is always ready to play you a tune.
Music therapy is part of Londyn's extensive care at Riley, through it all marching to her own beat.
"She doesn't miss a beat, I mean, even when she was on a ventilator for six weeks, the doctors at Riley were just astonished” Jenna said. "We always say, 'If she can stand here and dance and celebrate, how can we sit back and be sad?' She gives a whole new meaning to life.”
In fact, Londyn and the Hoffman family are being honored as a “Riley Champion” this year. The program honors Riley patients and families across the state who demonstrate courage and commitment to helping others while navigation medical obstacles.
The Riley Children's Foundation Giving Campaign runs until Dec. 31.
All individual donations will be matched by the Indianapolis Colts up to $150,000 toward areas of greatest need at Riley Children’s Health. That means your dollars will go twice as far for Riley Kids and families this holiday season.
You can learn more about charitable donations to Riley by clicking here.