Riley Risden is a childhood cancer survivor. She’s also a Girl Scout working on her Silver Award Project to raise awareness about childhood cancer. On May 28, 2021, Riley was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. 

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects white blood cells. It’s the most common type of childhood cancer and can come on suddenly, causing symptoms like fatigue, fever, bone pain, and easy bruising. With agressive treatment, many children with ALL can go into remission and lead healthy lives.

Riley endured two and a half years of treatment including high dose steroids, chemotherapy, and many spinal taps. As of 2025, Riley is now 1 year off treatment, but continually battles the side effects of long term chemotherapy and steroids, including developing Avascular Necrosis in many of the bones in her body requiring a full hip replacement in March 2024. 

Avascular Necrosis (AVN) is a condition where bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply. It can affect any bone, but most often impacts the hips. In children, it can cause pain, limited movement, and long-term joint damage. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent the bone from collapsing.

Riley was recently diagnosed with Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome which developed as a result of the long term pain that Riley has been experiencing. 

Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS) is a chronic pain condition where the brain sends stronger pain signals than normal, often without clear physical cause. It can cause intense pain in the muscles, joints, or bones, usually in children and teens.

Inspired by her own challenges, Riley has decided to focus her Silver Award project on spreading awareness about Childhood Cancer and how it affects children and their families. Riley is partnering with local police, fire, and EMS departments to create custom challenge coins, with proceeds benefiting childhood cancer foundations.

Riley is also working with Howell Public Schools to educate students about how to support peers going through difficult times, with her presentations becoming part of the middle school health curriculum.

With support from the Howell Mayor and local media, Riley’s project highlights September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The centerpiece of her efforts is a community event on July 13, 2025, at the Southard Fire Department. At the event there will be a wishlist drive benefiting the many childhood cancer foundations that will be present, a bloodmobile and the National Marrow Donor Program.

Riley is also working with local businesses to help with long lasting support.  Riley hopes the entire community will join her in supporting childhood cancer awareness and families in need.