Stella

Project Stella is named for Stella Novotny, an unforgettable little girl who lost her life to AML-RAM when she was just four years old. Stella had many exploratory treatments and a first-in-human immunotherapy trial, until her tiny body could not fight any longer. She lost her battle in November 2017, just 3 weeks after her 4th birthday. Stella’s parents, Casey and Jed, launched Project Stella to help change the outcome for other children and families facing AML. Their courage and vision are responsible for this life saving project. We owe them so much.

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Alina

Alina was diagnosed at 17 months old in 2023. She never reached remission, but fought bravely for just over a year before passing away at the tender age of 2 in April 2024. She is forever loved and missed by her loved ones.

A note from her parents: “Thank you Project Stella & Dr. Meshinchi for all the help given to prolong Alina’s life that allowed us to make more memories with her.  

Indya

Indya was diagnosed at just 6 months old. Indya and her family exhausted every possible option for treatment- two bone marrow transplants, countless rounds of chemotherapy, STRO-002, and an NK cell trial. Indya’s parents lobbied hard for Indya to be the first child ever to receive access to ELU-001, which sparked a compassionate use access program at Elucida. Despite every pathway pursued, Indya passed away in the arms of her parents on November 14, 2023. Indya was a lover of animals, of stickers, and was known for always saying ‘mas!’ Her spirit and strength were unparalleled.

Ágoston

Ágoston is a brave little Hungarian boy who was diagnosed in September 2024 at just 3.5 months old. He has already been through several rounds of standard chemotherapy, but unfortunately he still has residual disease so his doctors and parents are working hard to find the best way to clear it. He will likely receive his first dose of STRO soon, but CAR T therapy is also being considered. Through it all, he has remained a happy, energetic baby—his family jokingly calls him a ‘little Terminator’ because nothing seems to break his spirit. Looking at him, you’d never guess he’s in the fight of his life.  

Angel

Angel at the age of two, was diagnosed with AML with CBF- GLIS and expressing the Philadelphia chromosome. Through many chemotherapy regimens, clinical trials, two transplants, and having moved across the country from Alabama to Washington, Angel is currently being treated at Seattle’s Children hospital. Through it all, Angel is still very much a sweet, loving, and energetic child. She loves to dress up as Disney princesses, make jokes and play tricks on her siblings, and celebrate Halloween, her favorite holiday. She has yet to encounter a creepy or scary character at haunted houses that doesn’t just make her laugh. Perhaps this isn’t such a surprise considering the bravery Angel has shown. Now six, Angel’s strength and resiliency inspire all of us to keep fighting with her, praying for her, and believing in a cure.

Aspen

Since relapsing in January of 2022, Aspen has done remarkably well. She periodically received donor lymphocyte infusions and STRO02 and has remained in remission! In the fall of 2023 Aspen even rang the ‘end of treatment’ bell at her local hospital and was paraded home, cheered on by much of her town! Throughout her treatment, she remained healthy and strong, and most importantly, outpatient.  She remains in remission and has been living her life like any toddler should- exploring outside, going to school, and making messes at every opportunity. Aspen received her last dose of STRO002 just a week prior to starting preschool. Her parents credit the work done in Project Stella to why she is alive today.

Emma

Emma is a friendly and lovable one year old girl who insists on waving to everyone! She was diagnosed with AML-RAM in October of 2021 when she was 9 months old following concerns of an ongoing fever and a bump on her head.

Since her diagnosis, Emma has been treated with multiple rounds of chemotherapy as well as one of the Project Stella drugs, STRO002. Emma achieved remission and received a bone marrow transplant on April 6 2022. Sadly, her cancer cells returned within just a few months of her transplant and she began again on the road to remission. Gratefully she achieved remission and had a second bone marrow transplant in October of 2022, with her mother as her donor. She remains in remission today.

Ella

As a survivor, Ella has been asked to serve as a sponsor for this year's fundraising efforts at Lurie’s Children’s Hospital, helping to raise vital funds for continued research into AML. Her involvement is deeply personal. She knows firsthand the challenges that children and families face, and she wants to give back in honor of those who have died and the many others who are still fighting.

Her hope is that her story will encourage others to keep fighting, and that the research we support will bring us closer to a world where no child must face AML.

Being a survivor carries a heavy weight, but it also serves as a beacon of hope for all who are battling this disease.  

Please join us in celebrating the courage of all of the children and in supporting the important work that lies ahead. Every contribution helps, and together, we can make a difference in the lives of children facing AML.