In the fall of 2016 after years of hard work and dedication, Caoilinn was making a name for herself as one of the top goalkeepers in the Northern Virginia area.  In addition, she was emerging as a top beach volleyball prospect having recently won titles in the women’s divisions at two beach tournaments.  She trained hard and she trained often!  During this time Caoilinn began to experience some increased fatigue and bruising.  Her family just thought she needed to adjust her training schedule.  In October of 2016, Caoilinn developed debilitating headaches.  Blood tests revealed Caoilinn had Acute Myeloid Leukemia, an aggressive type of pediatric cancer.  Caoilinn was admitted to the ICU immediately and began treatment.  Since her initial diagnosis, Caoilinn has relapsed twice, requiring additional treatment and 2 bone marrow transplants.  She has spent months in the hospital receiving treatment for AML and has overcame multiple life-threatening complications. 

Seven years after her initial diagnosis, Caoilinn continues to recover from the toxic treatments she received. But, in true Caoilinn form she does not let anything stop her from accomplishing her goals.  She is a regaining her strength and endurance each day and working to return to the soccer pitch and the sand!  In addition, Caoilinn is refuses to let kids settle for the status quo.  She works with Stillbrave to support other kids battling cancer and is a fierce Childhood Cancer advocate.  She meets with congressional leaders to lobby for more funding and better treatment options for pediatric cancer patients.