Family And Community Rally Together To Give 3-Year-Old Girl Parade On Last Day Of Chemo

A 3-year-old Prior Lake girl who battled cancer for most of her life, got to celebrate in a big way on the last day of chemotherapy.

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Mabel Franks

Family and friends ensured that Mabel Franks got one even with all the social distancing restrictions due to COVID-19.

“We just felt we had to do something to let her know how proud we are and what a warrior and survivor she’s been,” Joan Franks, Mabel’s grandmother said.

First, Prior Lake fire trucks, then, dozens of decorated cars, rolled through the cul-de-sac where Mabel lives with her big sister Meadow and parents Michael and Meagan.

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Mabel smiled and waved from her father’s arms. “It’s really all she’s known since she was 14 months old, she’s been going through treatments,” Meagan Franks said.

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She was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and most of her chemo was delivered intravenously, but her final treatment Sunday night was in the form of a pill. Her extended family watched and cheered on video chat as Mabel swallowed the medication.

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“I’m just really grateful and we’ve had an amazing support system as you can see,” Mabel’s mother said after the parade while wiping away tears. “It’s very emotional.”