The Laila & Baby Luke Johnson Fund
Donation protected
Hello Everyone. My name is Alexandra Hakim and it is with a heavy heart that I set up this campaign today. Laila and I have been friends- sisters really for more than 25 years.
On June 19, 2006 Laila was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. She fought with all her heart and soul and came out of that storm stronger than ever and cancer free! In the years since she has dedicated her life to wellness becoming a hollistic health counselor, personal trainer and life coach. Always positive and upbeat she never looked back. Two years ago Laila married the love of her life, Erik, and life was truly magical. Next it was time to add to their happiness and Laila and Erik were ecstatic to learn a baby was on the way....a miracle baby! You see, the chances of Laila conceiving naturally were very slim because of the intense treatment she recieved all those years ago. Happy marriage, baby in the belly, thriving business....the life Laila always dreamed of was finally a reality.
On April 13th of this year, Laila and Erik were faced with a different reality. The leukemia had returned.
Now it is not only her life, but the life of her beautiful growing baby boy inside her that she has to fight for. So, as Laila would do she found her team of doctors, found her strength and started modified treatment. That sentence seems like it was easy, but it was a challenge to find a team of doctors to take her most rarest of cases. The plan is to continue with modified treatment until the baby is far along enough to be safely delivered and the full treatment plan will begin. This also poses a challenge as having a premie can have its own set of challenges under the most normal of circumstances.
From the moment everyone learned Laila had relapsed, the support has been overwhelming. "What can I do?" is the question everyone asks. Because of the uncertainty of her treatment plan and certain logisitcs Laila and Erik really didn't know what they needed and just asked for love and emotional support- which has come one million times over. I however had a different idea.
As anyone who has ever been to the doctor, admitted into the hospital or had a baby....THE BILLS ADD UP. Laila is unable to work and while Erik is working, he is also by Laila's side every step of the way doing what he can. They will need to hire a caretaker for the baby as Laila will need help while Erik is at work. Laila will be getting her full blast of chemo after the baby is born and will not have the strength to do it alone or at all for at least a minimum of 6 months after the baby is born, possibly longer depending on what the doctors say and how she is responding to treatment. Hospital bills, baby nurse, diapers, formula (breastfeeding is not an option during chemo), baby clothes, again it all adds up. I am asking if it is financially possible, for you to think about donating. I have Laila and Erik's blessing in setting up this fund and I know it was not an easy decision for them for we all have our pride, but in crisis, pride gets tossed out the window.....or someone like me comes along and throws it out for you :) For all of you who contribute I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I know Laila, Erik and Baby J does too. For those of you who aren't able to, thank you for reading and please send out some love and well wishes into the universe.
XO
Alex
On June 19, 2006 Laila was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. She fought with all her heart and soul and came out of that storm stronger than ever and cancer free! In the years since she has dedicated her life to wellness becoming a hollistic health counselor, personal trainer and life coach. Always positive and upbeat she never looked back. Two years ago Laila married the love of her life, Erik, and life was truly magical. Next it was time to add to their happiness and Laila and Erik were ecstatic to learn a baby was on the way....a miracle baby! You see, the chances of Laila conceiving naturally were very slim because of the intense treatment she recieved all those years ago. Happy marriage, baby in the belly, thriving business....the life Laila always dreamed of was finally a reality.
On April 13th of this year, Laila and Erik were faced with a different reality. The leukemia had returned.
Now it is not only her life, but the life of her beautiful growing baby boy inside her that she has to fight for. So, as Laila would do she found her team of doctors, found her strength and started modified treatment. That sentence seems like it was easy, but it was a challenge to find a team of doctors to take her most rarest of cases. The plan is to continue with modified treatment until the baby is far along enough to be safely delivered and the full treatment plan will begin. This also poses a challenge as having a premie can have its own set of challenges under the most normal of circumstances.
From the moment everyone learned Laila had relapsed, the support has been overwhelming. "What can I do?" is the question everyone asks. Because of the uncertainty of her treatment plan and certain logisitcs Laila and Erik really didn't know what they needed and just asked for love and emotional support- which has come one million times over. I however had a different idea.
As anyone who has ever been to the doctor, admitted into the hospital or had a baby....THE BILLS ADD UP. Laila is unable to work and while Erik is working, he is also by Laila's side every step of the way doing what he can. They will need to hire a caretaker for the baby as Laila will need help while Erik is at work. Laila will be getting her full blast of chemo after the baby is born and will not have the strength to do it alone or at all for at least a minimum of 6 months after the baby is born, possibly longer depending on what the doctors say and how she is responding to treatment. Hospital bills, baby nurse, diapers, formula (breastfeeding is not an option during chemo), baby clothes, again it all adds up. I am asking if it is financially possible, for you to think about donating. I have Laila and Erik's blessing in setting up this fund and I know it was not an easy decision for them for we all have our pride, but in crisis, pride gets tossed out the window.....or someone like me comes along and throws it out for you :) For all of you who contribute I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I know Laila, Erik and Baby J does too. For those of you who aren't able to, thank you for reading and please send out some love and well wishes into the universe.
XO
Alex
Organizer and beneficiary
Alexandra Grof-Tisza Hakim
Organizer
Manasquan, NJ
Laila Hardy
Beneficiary
