Mom recalls 6-year-old daughter's decline after flu-like symptoms led to cancer diagnosis

Kiersten Peterson says her daughter Aspen developed flu-like symptoms in 2023, was diagnosed with stage 4 rhabdomyosarcoma after imaging, underwent treatment including a period of remission and relapse, and died on March 3, 2026.

Kiersten Peterson shared a video and account of her daughter Aspen, who became ill after flu-like symptoms in 2023 and was later diagnosed with stage 4 rhabdomyosarcoma. The family began treatment in Jacksonville and moved to Boston for more aggressive care. Aspen entered remission for about 10 months before routine scans showed a relapse that spread to her lungs and lymph nodes. After further intensive treatment, Peterson and clinicians transitioned Aspen to hospice and she died on March 3, 2026. Key facts: - Aspen first showed flu-like symptoms after a family trip in 2023; loss of vision in one eye prompted an eye exam and a CT scan that found a tumor. - In July 2023 she was diagnosed with stage 4 rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare childhood muscle cancer. - The family moved from Jacksonville to Boston for more aggressive treatment; Aspen had a remission and later relapsed with spread to the lungs and lymph nodes. - Peterson reports that Aspen died on March 3, 2026, and that she is now focusing on caring for her son and remembering her daughter. Summary: Peterson describes the experience of seeking care, treatment, brief remission, relapse and eventual end-of-life care for her daughter, and says community support played an important role during the family's ordeal. She reports she is concentrating on her remaining child and honoring Aspen's memory. Undetermined at this time.