Conway, Mo. – After Carsen Smith’s osteosarcoma diagnosis, her close friend Brianna Rael chose to leave the public school system and begin homeschooling. The decision, made with the support of Brianna’s mother, Linda Rael, allows the girls to spend school days together while Carsen travels to St. Louis for chemotherapy.
Family and community rally around the girls
Carsen, 14, was first diagnosed after a lump in her knee was discovered during a routine check‑up. She and her mother, April Smith, travel to St. Louis for treatment, leaving the Conway community eager to help. April described the moment she learned of the cancer as “a blank feeling” that shook her family.
“When someone tells you your kid has cancer, you’re like, I have never felt so blank in my entire life,” April said.
Despite the seriousness of the illness, Carsen remains resilient. She noted that the reality of the disease only sinks in when she lives it day by day. “You don’t really, like, process it until you’re, like, really living it,” she explained.
Homeschooling transition
Brianna had already known Carsen from a previous homeschooling stint before the pair attended Conway public school together. When Carsen’s treatment schedule began to interfere with regular classes, Brianna told her mother she wanted to homeschool if the diagnosis was confirmed. Within a week of the confirmation, Brianna began homeschooling.
The switch was challenging at first. Brianna fell behind on assignments but quickly caught up, eventually bringing her computer to Carsen’s house so the two could complete schoolwork side‑by‑side on the couch.
“I was happy about it because I wasn’t going to be alone,” Carsen said, grateful for the constant companionship.
Faith‑based support
The girls’ youth group at LifePoint Lebanon has been a source of prayer and encouragement. Youth pastor Brian Delcour even visited the emergency room when Carsen developed a fever and ear infection. April praised the church’s involvement, noting that the community’s love has been “amazing.”
Classmates from Conway and neighboring towns such as Seymour and Marshfield have shown support by wearing shirts and organizing events. Local residents have also planned a poker run and silent auction on Nov. 7 to help cover travel and missed‑work costs.
Looking ahead
Carsen’s treatment plan includes additional chemotherapy cycles before surgery to remove the tumor and replace her knee. In the meantime, the family takes each step as it comes, leaning on the steady presence of friends, family, and faith.
When asked what they hope to do together once Carsen feels stronger, April whispered, “Going to the lake…,” prompting laughter from both girls.
Original reporting: KY3 Springfield (local) — read the source article.
