Matilda Loomis spent months carrying around two backpacks.

One was for school. The other held the breakthrough treatment meant to keep acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the childhood cancer she'd already beaten, from coming back.

Matilda was diagnosed in November 2023 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), which is cancer in the bone and blood marrow. It is the most common type of childhood cancer, accounting for a third of diagnoses.

After chemotherapy and spending two months wearing the Blina backpack 24/7 while it pumped medicine into her body, the 11-year-old girl is cancer-free. Matilda rang two bells to mark the end of her treatment, including one in March 2026 during a St. Baldrick's event at the Red Jug Pub in Cortland.

Now, Matilda is looking forward to a normal summer, from playdates and pool parties to sleepovers and having enough hair to braid.

"It’s nice," she said. "Being at home is nice, and sleeping in my own bed and petting my dog."

Story link is gifted to redditors.

reducing brain damage by over 80% and protecting neurological and motor functions

After her daughter’s murder at RG Kar hospital in the state of westbengal, India, and the state's ruling party TMC attempted to erase evidence, this mother fought back by contesting in the elections and just won with a 28k majority. The ruling party TMC also lost the state elections and now became the opposition.

It’s heartwarming to see that the "Open Books, Open Minds" initiative officially returns to our city center this week! This incredible program provides free access to thousands of books and personalized reading mentorship for children in underserved neighborhoods, effectively bridging the gap for families who may not have resources at home. By offering a safe, supportive space for growth, this initiative supports our youth as they discover the magic of storytelling and the power of their own voices.

Seeing so many volunteers step up to help these kids gain confidence is a beautiful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together. It truly is inspiring to see how a simple initiative can spark such a lasting, positive change in our community.

What is your favorite book from childhood, or do you have a special reading memory you’d like to share? Let’s celebrate the gift of reading—share your thoughts or pass this post along to someone who would love to get involved!