Perry Cox is feisty, full of energy, and loves taking part in new activities with her friends. According to her father Griffin, Perry, now five years old, loves dancing and gymnastics. She is sweet and genuine, spending lots of time with her younger sister. But, shares ABC11, Perry’s life changed when she was diagnosed with a Wilms’ tumor in September 2021. This rare form of childhood kidney cancer, also known as nephroblastoma, meant that Perry had to take a break from her activities for treatment. Inspired by Perry’s experience, her family launched the High Hopes nonprofit to help other families touched by pediatric cancer. 

Developing “High Hopes”

When Griffin and Brittany, Perry’s mom, watched their daughter going through treatment, they felt inspired by her strength. Even though treatment could be difficult, Griffin and Brittany thought that Perry always seemed to power through it. They started thinking about how difficult the experience was on their family and realized that they were in a unique position to help others.

Griffin and Brittany began thinking about how difficult the treatment process could be. Some families had to travel to different states or different areas to receive treatment. How much did that travel cost? The gas prices, the meals, the medical costs? 

High Hopes became an avenue to provide families with financial assistance. On April 8th, 2022, High Hopes ran a charity golf tournament in North Carolina to help raise funds. The family raised $10,000 for Children’s Cancer Partners. 

To learn more about High Hopes, take a look at the nonprofit’s Instagram page. 

About Wilms’ Tumor

As described above, a Wilms’ tumor is a rare form of childhood kidney cancer that predominantly affects those under age 5. Risk factors include having a family history of Wilms’ tumors, being of African-American descent, being born with hemihypertrophy or aniridia, or having a rare condition such as Beckwith-Wiedmann syndrome or WAGR syndrome. Wilms’ tumor is the most common form of kidney cancer in children. Symptoms can include:

• A mass in the abdomen
• Abdominal pain and swelling
• High blood pressure
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Constipation
• Appetite loss
• Hematuria (blood in the urine)

Learn more about Wilms’ tumor.