Friendship bracelets lead to healing and hope

A rare procedure never performed before at McLane Children's saved Addison's life.

In 2022, Addison Bowman began experiencing frequent urinary tract infections. An ultrasound at Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s Medical Center revealed a urachal cyst, a fluid-filled sac that forms between the bladder and belly button. Although additional imaging is not normally required before surgery to remove this type of cyst, something told Addison’s doctor that she needed a CT scan.

Those instincts proved correct when the scan and a subsequent biopsy confirmed there was a cancerous tumor on the head of Addison’s pancreas, a very rare condition estimated to affect fewer than 14 children per year in the U.S.

Together with her parents, Addison’s care team determined the best course of action was a Whipple procedure, which involves removing the tumor and surrounding organs with which the pancreas is closely integrated. This complex surgery is regularly performed on adults but rarely on children and never before at McLane Children’s.

While other hospitals could have done the surgery, Addison’s mother, Amanda Bowman, said it was the emotional support that made McLane Children’s feel like the right choice.

“She wasn’t being treated like she was some fancy new experimental procedure,” Ms. Bowman said. “The medical team put my daughter first, as a whole person.”

In June 2023, surgeons removed Addison’s tumor as well as her gallbladder and parts of her pancreas, liver and intestines, then reconnected the remaining organs to restore her digestive tract.

“Taking care of a patient with this complex of a problem requires a team,” said Hayden Stagg, MD, medical director of trauma surgery at McLane Children’s. “It just goes to show that when we come together, we’re as good as anybody in the world.”

During her recovery, Addison and her mom made droves of friendship bracelets inspired by the lyrics of a popular song, which they offered to visitors. Everyone from Addison’s surgical team to food services employees would wear one when visiting Addison. It’s part of the reason why Addison remembers her hospital stay as a happy time—despite the pain and anxiety.

Today, Addison faces some challenges resulting from her modified digestive system, but has a strong spirit and is learning what her body can handle. Now 10 years old, she is back to playing flag football and softball, creating art and cooking. She also serves as a representative for McLane Children’s, sharing her story and advocating for our hospital in the community.

Addison has a message for any other child going through a similar trial: “Just know, it gets better.”