05/24/2026
Nora is a bright, funny, creative and resilient 10-year-old who loves spending time with friends and being outdoors, especially riding her bike, swimming and playing soccer. She especially loved being a goalie and even sleeps with a soccer ball pillow every night.
In October 2025, what started as unusual rashes and swelling after bug bites quickly turned into something much more serious. After a visit to urgent care, Nora was rushed to the emergency room and then transported by ambulance to Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital, where her family learned she was facing kidney failure. Within days, Nora was diagnosed with IgA Vasculitis with Nephritis (HSP), a condition where the body’s immune system causes swelling in blood vessels and can affect how the kidneys work. This began a journey that would include dialysis, blood transfusions, chemotherapy treatments and multiple hospital admissions.
Over the next several months, Nora faced daily medications, school schedule changes, dietary restrictions and extra precautions due to being immunocompromised. Through it all, her family says what stands out most is her bravery and ability to “keep it real,” remaining positive while also being honest about when things feel hard.
One of the most meaningful milestones came after weeks in the hospital, when Nora got to ring the bell on the kidney floor following her first admission, a moment of celebration during an incredibly difficult season. Along the way, she’s learned something many adults spend years understanding: you never truly know what someone else may be going through.
Nora has faced more than any child should at her age, yet she continues to move forward with grace, courage and resilience. We’re honored to celebrate her journey and share in another milestone as this lifelong soccer fan attends her very first Charlotte FC game and is being celebrated as our Honorary Captain of the game.