Evelyn Donaldson: Spreading Positivity

By: Darya Neil

Evelyn Donaldson was born 7 weeks early and spent her first 5 weeks in the Riley NICU at IU North. Despite early challenges, she was nicknamed “Bright Eyes” thanks to her contagious laugh and joyful spirit.

At 8 years old, she was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma brain tumor following a routine eye exam. Over 2 years, she underwent treatment including surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy, and worked hard in speech, occupational, and physical therapy to regain her strength and coordination.

Evelyn always felt a warm welcome and embrace whenever she went to Riley Hospital for Children, saying, ‘Riley has the best staff. Even when they poke you, one of them always makes me laugh.” She believes that cancer affects the whole family, not just the child that is in treatment. Because of that, she works to educate and fundraise for cancer treatments with bake sales and lemonade stands. She also volunteers with the Little Red Door cancer agency and spends her summers at Camp Little Red Door in Bradford Woods.

This June, Evelyn celebrated being 2 years cancer-free! Evelyn is a creative, kind-hearted girl who loves reading, dancing, baking, and spending time with her sisters, Anna and Reina. As she looks forward to attending middle school in the fall, Evelyn’s resilience and positive spirit continue to shine brightly.