Donnie and Tina are now facing every parent’s worst nightmare. Their beautiful baby girl, Gemma, born just two months ago, has been diagnosed with cancer. Gemma will begin chemotherapy next week at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon. Please Join Donnie and Tina Sixberry as they Navigate Gemma’s Journey

Gemma: Miracle Baby Extraordinaire

Many of you have witnessed the miracle that is beautiful baby Gemma, but for those of you who do not know this incredible story, please allow me to share. Baby Gemma’s mother, Tina (Christensen) Sixberry is a two-time cancer survivor who held onto the dream of being a mom. In 2018 Tina received her second cancer diagnosis. In addition to a bilateral mastectomy, aggressive chemotherapy treatment, and having a mass removed from her uterus, her long-term treatment plan requires her to remain on estrogen blockers for the rest of her life. After Tina’s recovery, Donnie and Tina pursued surrogacy and in vitro fertilization. During this long, emotional (and expensive) process, in a beautiful surprise, Tina conceived naturally. Tina and Donnie welcomed their perfect miracle baby into the world on October 29, 2021.

“For this child, I prayed and the Lord has granted the desires of my heart.” – 1 Samuel 1:27

Roadmap: Gemma’s Journey

Sadly, eight weeks after giving birth, doctors found what they thought to be one tumor. However after additional diagnostics, they have learned precious Gemma has six tumors, three on each eye. Even at this delicate age, Gemma has been put under anesthesia twice and has been through an MRI. Her chemotherapy will commence with the start of her tenth week of life. While the amazing team of doctors will continue to evaluate her treatment plan, as of now Gemma is facing six months of chemotherapy, and an EUA (examination under anesthesia), MRI, and hearing test every four weeks. Since this cancer type (Retinoblastoma) grows with the eye development, it is possible for new tumors to grow even during treatment. Our eyes are typically done growing by age seven, so Gemma will require close watching for many years to come.

“Anyone who does anything to help a child is a hero to me.” — Fred Rogers

COVID & Community: Sign of the Times

One of the most powerful things we can do for someone is to let them know they are not alone in their journey. There are so many people who love this family and would gladly show up and “get to work” on their behalf (whatever that looks like for each person). Unfortunately, due to resurgent COVID restrictions, Donnie and Tina are the only ones who can be at Doernbecher with Gemma, and only one of them is allowed to be present during the chemotherapy administration. In addition to the actual health risks COVID presents, they must be extremely careful to not contract COVID or they would face the unimaginable fate of not being allowed in the hospital with their daughter. As a result, Donnie, Tina, and Gemma will be physically isolated from their community during this difficult time when community is needed most. So as friends, family, and even generous strangers with big, beautiful hearts, we can choose to support them in more tangible ways.

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” - Charles Dickens

Giving: Tangible Love

Beyond the astronomical cost associated with Gemma’s ongoing treatment, Donnie and Tina have already exhausted their Paid Time Off (keep in mind Tina has been on parental leave). This means that during this terrifying and gut-wrenching season, they are also experiencing significant financial uncertainty. Personally, I know it breaks my heart that I can’t simply sit next to one of my dearest friends, and hold her hand and be there for her during this time.

Those of you who know Tina, know the extent of her kindness, giving, and compassionate life. She has been a fierce warrior in the global fight against cancer and its impact on others for decades. We are privileged to be able to return her kindness and show up for her and her family during this time.

Together, dollar-by-dollar we can help ease the financial burden for Donnie and Tina, allowing them to focus on what matters most, Gemma!!

Please donate. Please share this campaign. Please pray. Please continue to send love and support to this sweet family. Also, please enjoy these beautiful pictures.

"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." – Coretta Scott King