Homecoming for little girl battling cancer

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - She has captured the hearts of many NewsChannel 18 viewers. For months we've been updating you on 20-month-old Aubrey Deno's battle with cancer. Now Aubrey has finally returned home after more than 100 days in the hospital.

Aubrey's family knew for sure at noon on Monday she would be able to come home. Although she will still have ongoing medical treatment, she'll constantly be surrounded by those who love her. Aubrey has spent 111 straight days at Riley Childrens' Hospital in Indianapolis. But now, it's homecoming for Aubrey, her father Dustin, mother Lacey and sister Jillian.

"Our family, collectively since August 18th have been home 18 days, 18 nights for all four of us. It's been a long haul," said Dustin Deno.

She's been called a fighter and a champ through her treatments. Aubrey was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia last year. She's been through chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.

"The chemotherapy damaged her liver. She had liver failure, which then caused her lungs to fail," said Dustin Deno.

Her infectious smile can turn the hearts of anyone. Now, she gets to play with her older sister and taker her first steps at home. Aubrey's parents will have to take precautions while she is at home, however.

"She's basically in isolation. She can't leave the house or go outside or go anywhere where germs may be present," said Dustin Deno.

The family said the outpouring of community support has been tremendous.

"Letters, cards, emails, phone conversations. Basically they've been amazing through this whole process and been out backbone from day one," said Dustin Deno.

Aubrey will have several outpatient doctor visits going forward. She has quite a bit of medication to take daily, but can now do so at home.