CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN
Since 1984, the Greater Toledo Classic has been committed to raising national awareness and support for the charities committed to improving the lives of children in our region. In celebration of our 40th anniversary last year, we launched “Champions for Children” to emphasize a holistic focus on children’s health and the many factors that can impact a child’s overall well-being. Patients treated at the two children’s hospitals in northwest Ohio—Nationwide Children’s Hospital - Toledo and ProMedica Russell J. Ebeid Children’s Hospital—share their stories to encourage and inspire our community. Together, they represent our 2025 Greater Toledo Classic patient champions.
To view our 2025 Patient Champion Photo Gallery please click here.
2025 GREATER TOLEDO CLASSIC PATIENT CHAMPIONS
Meet LaNiyah!
Age: 8
Hometown: Dearborn, MI
Diagnosis: Wilms Tumor
During a routine bath, a lump was discovered on the side of 6-year-old LaNiyah’s belly. Her mother immediately scheduled an appointment with her pediatrician. Following several ultrasounds, doctors discovered a large mass attached to LaNiyah’s left kidney. She was later transferred to Nationwide Children’s Hospital – Toledo where she received further testing. That evening her parents were told that she had Wilms Tumor, a type of kidney cancer found in young children.
After receiving treatment including chemotherapy, LaNiyah proudly and excitedly rang the bell in February 2024, marking the end of her chemotherapy journey. One year later, her port has been removed, and she has gained back her confidence and hope.
Today LaNiyah loves shopping, playing the games, swimming, watching YouTube videos and playing with her family and friends. She looks forward to one day becoming a doctor and giving all children just like her hope, support and love.
After receiving a chest X-ray and CT scan for a lingering, chronic cough that was not getting better, 11-year-old Madison went to the hospital and had a bronchoscopy performed. It was during that procedure where her medical team found a very rare mass called an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor in her left lung. In November of 2024, Madison had an upper left lung lobectomy performed to remove the entire tumor.
Jessica, Madison’s mom said “The pediatric surgery, oncology and PICU teams at Nationwide Children’s Hospital - Toledo were so thorough and made us feel very confident about Madison’s treatment plan after her diagnosis. Having access to pediatric medical expertise close to home benefitted our family greatly – it helped make this stressful time in our lives a little less stressful and it was easier for our family and friends to visit Madison while she was in the hospital. We are fortunate to have such fantastic doctors and staff available locally who provide such quality care in our area.”
After a successful surgery to remove the tumor, Madison’s recovery has been great. Today, she is back to doing the activities she loves, including playing volleyball, basketball and softball.
Madison has a strong passion for helping people — with her positive attitude and contagious smile, she hopes to inspire others who are going through tough times. Madison and her family are forever grateful for the amazing care team that took so much time studying her case and helping her recover!
Meet Raeya!
Age: 5
Hometown: Sylvania, OH
Diagnosis: B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
When five-year-old Raeya kept getting bruises, her parents thought it was just part of her energetic nature. But by May 2023, she began to show more troubling signs. She was limping, holding her arm and not wanting to leave the house. Urgent care visits and X-rays showed no cause of her pain. By June 2023, she was getting constant low-grade fevers, eye infections and persistent bruising. During a visit to the emergency room at ProMedica Toledo Hospital, blood tests revealed the heartbreaking news: Raeya had cancer.
Raeya faced a daunting 2.5-year journey of treatment, which started immediately. Remarkably, she went into remission within months and has remained so throughout her treatment. Now, in May 2025, Raeya is just five months away from completing her chemotherapy and having her port removed. Despite her challenges, Raeya has thrived, attending preschool, taking swim and dance classes, and participating in recitals. This September, she will start kindergarten, continuing to shine as the energetic, spotlight-loving girl she has always been.
Raeya is thrilled to be a patient champion at this year’s Greater Toledo Classic. She is excited to share her story and learn how to hit the golf ball really good!
Meet Stella!
Age: 17
Hometown: Fremont, OH
Diagnosis: Hodgkin's Lymphoma
When Stella was 17 years old, she discovered a lump on the side of her neck. After several tests and a biopsy, Stella was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in October 2024.
Stella has gone through eight rounds of chemotherapy and three weeks of daily radiation to treat her cancer. She is currently waiting to receive a PET scan to determine if the cancer is still present.
Despite Stella’s journey, she is very active playing softball and golf, and spending time with her family and friends. This fall, Stella is headed to Manchester University as an incoming freshman, where she will play softball and major in political science and pre-law.
Stella is very excited to be a part of the Greater Toledo Classic this year and to serve as a patient champion. She is looking forward to learning some new golf skills, and she hopes that sharing her story will help provide strength and courage to others battling cancer.
