A Family Rooted in Love
Kristin and Rick Sherman found each other after a long search, two hearts ready to build a life of faith, love, and family.
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Grounded in their Catholic beliefs, they dreamed of becoming parents. After years of loss and unwavering hope, their miracle arrived: Riley Rose, the most joyful, perfect little girl.
Their family grew again with the birth of Matthew Steven, and Kristin often said they had the perfect life, a beautiful family, and a heart full of gratitude.
When Everything Changed
Just before Riley Rose’s fourth birthday, something felt different.
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On a family vacation, she only wanted to be held. Kristin, listening to her instincts, asked her doctor the question no parent wants to voice:
“You don’t think it’s cancer or something, do you?”
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The doctor reassured her, “No, cancer is very rare in children.”
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But the truth is: childhood cancer is not rare. Thousands of children are diagnosed every year. Yet only 4% of government cancer research funding is dedicated to pediatric cancer.
And then came the words that shattered their world:
“Your daughter has cancer. She has Neuroblastoma.”
Art was Her Lifeline
During Riley Rose’s long hospital stays, she couldn’t visit the play areas because of her fragile immune system. So Child Life Specialists began bringing art supplies to her bedside.
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Riley poured her heart into every creation. Through every brushstroke, she found joy, strength, and healing.
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“Everyone can be an artist,” she once said. “Even you.”
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For 20 months, Riley Rose bravely battled cancer, always painting, always loving.
She gained her angel wings at six and a half years old.