What initially appeared as a subtle ptosis (drooping eyelid) noticed during a family gathering on January 18 marked the onset of a complex pediatric oncology journey for infant Mary Kate Funk.
When the eye drooping persisted and rapidly worsened, diagnostic Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed an intracranial mass. Subsequent imaging confirmed multi-site central nervous system involvement along her spinal column, leading to a definitive diagnosis of Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor (ATRT)—a rare, highly aggressive central nervous system malignancy that primarily affects infants and young children.
ATRT Clinical Progression & Treatment Pathway:
├── Initial Presentation ──► Acute Eyelid Ptosis & Cranial Nerve Involvement
├── Diagnostic Imaging ──► Contrast MRI Confirms Intracranial & Spinal Lesions
├── Multi-Modal Therapy ──► Resection Surgeries, High-Dose Chemotherapy & Autologous Stem Cell Rescue
└── Ommaya Administration ──► Intrathecal Chemotherapy via Ommaya Reservoir for Leptomeningeal Disease
Complex Multi-Modal Clinical Interventions
Mary Kate’s care team initiated an aggressive treatment protocol consisting of multi-agent chemotherapy, targeted surgical resections, and central nervous system-directed therapies:
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Surgical Interventions: Mary Kate underwent three complex neurosurgical procedures to resect tumor tissue and alleviate intracranial pressure.
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High-Dose Chemotherapy & Stem Cell Rescue: Following initial chemotherapy cycles near her home, she was transferred to the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Benioff Children’s Hospital for high-dose chemotherapy combined with autologous stem cell transplants.
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Intrathecal Delivery: To target leptomeningeal spread, medical teams placed an Ommaya reservoir—a subcutaneous port connected to her brain’s ventricular system—allowing direct intrathecal chemotherapy delivery.
Throughout her care, Mary Kate endured 86 chemotherapy infusions, 25 sedations, and 50 blood transfusions across 107 inpatient hospital nights.
Honoring Her Memory Through Community Advocacy
Despite initial therapeutic responses and reaching key milestones—such as taking her first steps between treatment rounds—follow-up neuro-imaging revealed disease progression. Following a prolonged seizure episode on November 16, Mary Kate passed away peacefully on November 22, just days before her second birthday.
To honor her memory and support other families navigating pediatric cancer, her family established MK’s Tiny Toys and founded the Mary Kate Funk Foundation.
The 501(c)(3) non-profit organization provides financial assistance, emotional support, and care packages to families battling childhood cancer, ensuring that Mary Kate’s legacy continues to offer hope and resources to young patients in need.