LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A Danville family is asking for the community’s help as their 19-month-old daughter, Mariah, battles a series of rare and life-threatening medical conditions that require constant care and grueling trips to Cincinnati for treatment. Mariah was born prematurely and has faced enormous health challenges from the very beginning. Diagnosed with retinoblastoma (a rare eye cancer), fused kidneys, cloacal malformation, hip dysplasia and other complications, her short life has already included multiple surgeries, a colostomy, a feeding tube and chest ports for chemotherapy. Her mother, Deborah Way, says the first medical crisis came almost immediately. “At 2 days old she had her first surgery,” Way said. “She has two kidneys, but they’re fused together at the bottom of her pelvis.” Despite everything she has endured, Way says Mariah’s spirit has remained remarkably bright. “She’s a tough little baby… You wouldn’t even know anything was wrong with her. She doesn’t even know,” she said. Cancer, kidney failure and constant setbacks Mariah’s eye cancer progressed quickly, spreading to both eyes and requiring aggressive chemotherapy. “They found a tumor behind her right eye… then several more,” Way said. “It caused her to become bilateral.” The cancer treatment has taken a serious toll, contributing to renal failure. Now, she must undergo lifesaving kidney dialysis in Cincinnati three times a week, a six-hour round-trip drive for the family — often followed by hours spent in the hospital. Dr. Russell Eldridge, an oncologist not involved in Mariah’s care, explains how uniquely challenging these cases can be. “Children that age have remarkable recuperative power… but their treatment is complex,” he said, noting that surgery, chemotherapy and ongoing monitoring are often required. A family stretched to the breaking point The medical demands have forced Way, a former nursing assistant, to leave her job. Mariah’s father, a landscaper, is working but struggling to keep up with mounting expenses. Way says asking for help is incredibly difficult. “It’s hard to ask for help… I wish I could do more financially, but I can’t.” One of their most urgent needs is a reliable vehicle large enough to safely carry Mariah’s specialized medical car seat and equipment. “We either need a van or SUV… something with enough width for the medical seat and a regular seat for my other daughter,” Way said. An uncertain road ahead Mariah will need multiple future surgeries, and doctors say she won’t be eligible for a kidney transplant until she’s at least four years old. Until then, the family must continue their exhausting travel schedule — often with an unreliable car and little financial support. Still, Way says Mariah’s joy keeps her going. “She’s just happy… They can be poking and prodding her, and she’ll still clap. She’s happy and clapping.” Community support needed The family is urgently seeking donations to help cover: Reliable transportation for medical travel Gas, meals and lodging for Cincinnati hospital trips Emergency expenses related to Mariah’s care They say any help — big or small — will make a meaningful difference in keeping Mariah safe and moving toward the transplant she will eventually need. If you’re interested in helping Mariah’s family, you can click the link to their GoFundMe HERE. You can follow Mariah’s journey by clicking the family’s Facebook page HERE. Categories: Featured, Local News, News Tags: ABC36 Mariah story, Baby Mariah Danville, Cincinnati Children’s dialysis travel, Danville family needs help, fused kidneys infant, Mariah medical fundraiser, retinoblastoma Kentucky ...read more read less