MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – A Saraland Middle School student is spending her birthday at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital undergoing treatment for a rare and aggressive form of pediatric brain cancer.
Laken Goodwin was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) in April, a brain tumor that primarily affects children. The diagnosis came shortly after she achieved her goal of earning a spot on the Saraland Middle School dance team.
A dancer whose spirit hasn’t changed
To those who know Laken best, she is much more than her diagnosis.
Family friend Megan Smith describes the 12-year-old as determined, joyful and full of life…