Meet Kennedy!

Age: 7
Hometown: Perrysburg, OH
Diagnosis: Type 1 Diabetes

After a summer filled with unexplained health challenges, six-year-old Kennedy was rushed to the ER and admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit at Nationwide Children’s - Toledo, where her life changed overnight with a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes.

From the very beginning, her care team stepped in with clarity, urgency and compassion. The Pediatric Endocrinology specialists guided her family through the diagnosis with patience and empathy, helping them understand not only the critical first few days—but what life moving forward could look like. Those early moments were heavy, emotional and overwhelming, but Kennedy’s team never left their side. They answered every question, calmed every fear and gave her the strength to take her first steps into this new reality.

One of the most meaningful moments came when her diabetes educators gifted her a backpack filled with supplies—and a teddy bear named Rufus, who “had diabetes too.” In a place that once felt scary, Kennedy found comfort, connection, and even a sense of pride. By the end of her stay, she was walking the halls, proudly showing Rufus around what she called “her hospital.”

While her hospital stay came to an end, the support never did. Kennedy’s care team remains closely connected—sometimes talking multiple times a day—and she now returns for follow-up visits every 90 days, continuing to build that trusted relationship. Together, they help her family navigate the highs, lows and everything in between. A Type 1 diagnosis is life-changing, but Kennedy is not walking this path alone. She is surrounded by a team that continues to guide, support and empower her every single day.

Today, Kennedy proudly shares her story as a 2026 Greater Toledo Classic Patient Champion, using her voice to inspire others with her courage, strength and resilience.

Meet Evelyn!

Age: 10
Hometown: Perrysburg, OH
Diagnosis: T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL) 

When Evelyn was nine, she began experiencing persistent fatigue and didn’t feel like herself. Her parents took her to see her pediatrician, who ordered blood tests after an exam revealed concerns. The results led to a referral to an oncologist, and Evelyn began her first phase of treatment before transferring to ProMedica Russell J. Ebeid Children’s Hospital to continue chemotherapy.

Today, Evelyn is in the maintenance phase of her care. She takes chemotherapy pills at home, returns for occasional infusion treatments and continues regular monitoring of her blood counts and overall health.

Evelyn loves ice skating and swimming, building Lego’s, stuffed animals, spending time with her two cats and cheering on the Toledo Walleye and Dallas Stars. She is proud to serve as a Patient Champion at this year’s Greater Toledo Classic and is excited to share her story and meet new people. Especially the golfers, as she shared that she has never met professional golfers before.

Meet Jazlyn!

Age: 12
Hometown: Napoleon, OH
Diagnosis: Astrocytoma Brain Tumor

When Jazlyn was six, she began experiencing severe, daily migraines. After multiple visits to her pediatrician and medication trials that provided no relief, a routine eye exam with her ophthalmologist revealed pressure and fluid buildup behind her eye.

Jazlyn was rushed to ProMedica Russell J. Ebeid Children’s Hospital, where imaging revealed two large brain tumors. In 2019, she underwent surgery to remove the larger tumor, and a shunt was placed to help drain excess fluid. Following surgery, Jazlyn experienced weakness on her right side and worked through extensive therapy to relearn how to walk, talk, eat and write. Her second tumor was successfully removed in 2020, and she continued to recover.

In November 2025, Jazlyn began experiencing migraines again due to a shunt malfunction. She remained hospitalized for more than 30 days before her shunt was successfully internalized in January.

Today, Jazlyn is doing well. She is homeschooled and enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing Roblox and going to the movies. She is excited to be part of the Greater Toledo Classic this year as a Patient Champion and hopes that sharing her story will help provide strength and courage to others.

Meet Isabelle!

Age: 15
Hometown: Genoa, OH
Diagnosis: Multiple Knee Surgeries

Isabelle (Izzy) has always been an active, sports-driven kid, but recurring knee pain in seventh grade led to years of challenges. After repeated patellar dislocations and limited progress in physical therapy, she underwent her first knee surgery in 2023. A second dislocation during an AAU tournament the following year resulted in a Medial Patellofemoral Ligament reconstruction in Columbus. Less than a year later, Izzy suffered another injury. This time, it was her shoulder. That’s when she was introduced to the Nationwide Children’s - Toledo Sports Medicine team for treatment and recovery.

In 2025, Izzy dislocated her left patella again during volleyball. After thorough evaluation, Dr. John Anderson, Pediatric Sports Medicine Physician at Nationwide Children’s - Toledo, and Dr. Phillip Stokey, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon at Nationwide Children’s - Toledo and ProMedica Russell J. Ebeid Children’s Hospital, determined she would need a third surgery. Following months of rehabilitation and support from her local care team, Izzy was cleared to return to sports in early 2026 and is now back to varsity softball, travel softball and volleyball. She is truly honored to serve as a Patient Champion at this year’s Greater Toledo Classic and hopes to inspire others through her journey of resilience and determination.