Hand in Hand: Sisters Face Blood Disorders and a Cancer Diagnosis Together
Four-year-old Eleanore Mae and her 2-year-old sister, Colette, are inseparable — whether they’re watching Disney movies, visiting the zoo to see giraffes or holding hands in matching princess dresses during hospital visits. Their bond is more than sweet; it’s a source of strength as they navigate a journey through blood disorders and childhood cancer with courage and an unbreakable connection.
Both girls were born with hereditary spherocytosis, a rare blood disorder that causes red blood cells to burst and can lead to severe anemia. Eleanore’s case was mild, but Colette needed blood transfusions until she was 6 months old. Their mother, Rachel, had lived with the condition herself and knew how serious it could be. After moving to Colorado Springs, the family found expert care close to home at Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs’ Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders (CCBD).
When Eleanore was 3, her behavior changed — she was tired, angry and withdrawn. Rachel trusted her instincts and brought her to Children’s Colorado, Colorado Springs where further testing revealed that Eleanore had B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Her blood disorder had accelerated the cancer’s spread, and treatment began immediately.
Eleanore was selected for a clinical trial using a new drug called blinatumomab. The results were transformative.
“She was herself again,” Rachel said. “Running around with her little chemo backpack, just like a normal 3-year-old.”
Throughout the journey, Colette has been her sister’s fiercest protector.
The hospital team recognized how important their connection was and made special arrangements so Colette could stay overnight during Eleanore’s inpatient visits.
“You can’t explain to a 3-year-old that her sister can’t be there,” Rachel said. “They didn’t understand being separated.”
Being treated in Colorado Springs has allowed the family to stay close to home, their pets — a dog named Kevin and a cat named Seraphina — and each other.
“We live about 20 minutes away,” Rachel said. “I can run home and get things we needed.”
Now, as Eleanore continues her maintenance phase and looks ahead to ringing the bell in April 2026, the sisters are also giving back. Together, they’ve begun fundraising to support the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders in Colorado Springs — the very place that has helped them heal.
For the girls’ family Children’s Hospital Colorado isn’t just a hospital — it’s a lifeline, a home and a place where healing happens together.
