In a viral TikTok video that has shattered hearts online, a young girl battling cancer is seen asking her parents a question no child should ever have to wonder: “Is this my fault?”
The emotional moment, which was taken while the child was having blood test, shows how cancer had mentally affected Ashley Velikaneye, who was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of liver cancer, called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) last year.
Newsweek spoke to her mother, Bailey Velikaneye, 29, about the heartbreaking vulnerability of her 6-year-old that has gathered 4 million views onlne.
“Ashley did a lot of self-blaming,” Velikaneye explained. “She would always ask me or the doctors, ‘Is this my fault? Is it something I did?’ To this day, it haunts me to hear her say those words.”
The first grader’s ordeal began at a young age as her mom, who lives in Colorado, noticed something was wrong with her growth rate. For years, Velikaneye had a nagging feeling that Ashley’s small size was an indicator of something more serious. Despite frequent doctor’ visits and extensive tests, including hormone and genetic evaluations, nothing conclusive was found.
“From 3 years old, Ashley probably had 10 to 15 appointments. I knew something was wrong but I couldn’t pinpoint it,” she told Newsweek. “Towards the end of 2023, Ashley was very emotional and angry which was out of character as she is a sweet girl.”
Last winter, the school nurse noticed Ashley had a red throat and suspected it may be strep. However, during a medical appointment, the doctor could feel that Ashley’s liver was enlarged and she was sent for further testing, including a biopsy.
On December 15, the family’s world turned upside down as they were told it was cancer.
Bailey Velikaneye said: “They prepared us that it could be cancer, but that doesn’t make it any easier. I felt like I couldn’t breathe when they said there was a large mass on her liver and I instantly thought, ‘How am I going to live without my daughter?'”
Initially, Ashley was misdiagnosed with the most common childhood liver cancer, hepatoblastoma. According to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, it affects fewer than one in 1 million children. The survival rate exceeds 80 precent if the tumor is confined to the liver and can be fully removed with surgery after chemotherapy.
Ashley underwent chemotherapy and a major surgery that removed 50 per cent of her liver and her gallbladder. Further testing confirmed the more aggressive HCC, according to a study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterologyin September 2018, it is a rare type of liver cancer that has a low survival rate.
Together with hepatoblastoma, they make up only 0.5 to 1.5 percnt of all childhood cancers. Miraculously, in Ashley’s case, the chemo worked.
In June 2024, Ashley rang the bell, signifying no evidence of disease. However, her journey is far from over, as she will require lifelong medical check-ups. But despite the challenges, Ashley’s spirit shines through. She has found strength in her battle, even declaring herself a “warrior” as she faced each treatment.
“We always reminded her how strong she is,” Velikaneye said. “The more we told her she was brave and strong, the more she believed it.”
The video shared in (@baileyboo133), along with Ashley’s story, has inspired an outpouring of support from around the world. Families facing similar battles have reached out, with one family forming a special bond with Ashley through TikTok.
The children exchange supportive videos and care packages before chemotherapy sessions, offering a sense of community in their shared fight against childhood cancer.
Velikaneye hopes their battle will raise awareness of rare childhood cancers.
“If you have a feeling something is wrong, then it is. Advocate for your child, and push for more tests. You know your child more than anyone,” she said.
In the wake of Ashley’s recovery, the Velikaneye family has also started a fund that invests in stocks to raise money for childhood cancer research. Through their efforts, they aim to support other families who are navigating the same terrifying journey they have.
As Ashley’s story continues to spread online, her message of strength, resilience, and hope is resonating far beyond the screen.
“Now it’s her mission to help other kids with cancer,” Velikaneye shared. “She wants to be a friend to them and tell them, ‘I did it, and you can too.'”
Despite the uncertainty that lies ahead, Ashley is thriving, back in school, and full of energy. For now, she’s focusing on being a happy, healthy 7-year-old—while spreading light to others who need it most.
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