Beloit girl moves forward after cancer treatment

BELOIT — September was the month three years ago when a Beloit family’s life experienced its most-serious challenge.

Morgan Loudon was 8 when she was diagnosed with a rare rhabdoid tumor in September 2012. The cancer was located in the abdomen wrapped around the aorta and hepatic arteries. “When she started her treatment, the expected outcome was grim,” said Melissa Loudon, Morgan’s mother.

The family had to make sacrifices, making multiples trips back and forth to Akron Children’s Hospital in Akron. Melissa took off a year as program director of Wound Care and Hyperbarics at Alliance Community Hospital to care for her sick daughter.

Morgan’s tumor was originally inoperable, but treatment was effective enough for it to be removed. She completed 28 radiation treatments with her final course of chemotherapy in June 2013.

Despite dealing with some side effects of the treatment that saved her life, Morgan’s mother said she’s a straight-A student who loves playing soccer. She also has aspirations to attend Ohio State University to become a veterinarian.

“We are forever changed,” Melissa said.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month.

For the complete story, read Wednesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com