Starla considered in remission, hosts lemonade stand for cancer research

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - A 3-year-old girl diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia is home from the hospital and considered in remission. FOX10 News introduced you to Starla Chapman in January 2012.

DeAndrea Chapman, Starla's mother, said the little girl is excited to be home.

“She can’t wait to start doing things a normal 3-year-old does. We are so thankful to the community and everybody that has prayed for us and continues to pray for Starla,” she said.

The little girl not only captured the hearts of FOX10 viewers, but also the heart of the University of Alabama’s quarterback, AJ McCarron.

He promised Starla he would wear a gift she gave him. He kept that promise in front of a national audience at the BCS National Championship game.

McCarron wore a pink bracelet featuring the Team Starla’s mantra, “Just Trust”, during the big game.

McCarron met the little girl on Christmas Eve 2011 while visiting USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital, where Starla was staying.

Starla underwent seven rounds of intense chemotherapy to combat the cancer and struggled with a heart problem caused by the chemotherapy drugs.

“We are truly blessed to be back home, and just in time for Easter. The doctor’s say she is in remission, but with any type of cancer she will not be in full remission for five years. Her heart has continued to improve,” Chapman said.

Starla finished her last round of chemo on March 14, which also her mother’s birthday.

Starla was released from the hospital April 2.

Now, Starla is doing even more to join the battle against childhood cancer. She will host an Alex’s Lemonade Stand Saturday, April 21, at the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce in Bay Minette.

All of the proceeds will benefit childhood cancer research.