Elaxie's Bone Marrow Transplant

My name is Linda. My husband and I travel to a resort in Belize where we befriended the head waitress, Aixa and her husband, Eldon, the resort boat mechanic.

They have a nine year old daughter, Elaxie. Elaxie was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia when she less than two years old. She was still in diapers.

I started this fund because, inspite of two remissions, the cancer has come back. The doctors have told her family there is nothing more they can do.

Elaxie needs a bone marrow transplant to save her life.

We are looking for a hospital that will accept an international patient. So far, we have three good leads....in Miami, Mexico and Israel.

When accepted at the hospital, Elaxie, Aixa and Aixa's mother will travel there. Elaxie will continue receiving chemo treatments as the the hospital searches for donor match. When the donor is found, they will perform the bone marrow transplant.

They will need money for visas, plane tickets and living expenses. They will also need money to pay for some of her blood tests, medications and donor search. We know the hospital in Mexico will want a $17,000 co pay.

Elaxie continues to have massive chemo treatments with serious side effects. She knows how sick she is, yet she sends me funny gifs and cute jokes. She is a joy to be with. During her remission last year, she visited me in the hotel in Belize. She asked me to help her learn to swim. We spent the day in the pool. She is so full of life, laughter, joy, determination and strength. She is an amazing kid and I felt so inspired by her battle to overcome her leukemia.

Elaxie just before learning her cancer had returned

In remission

Only nine years old, almost 5 of those years receiving chemo. That includes:'

More than 30 spinal taps

More than 30 bone marrow tests

At least 70 chemo treatments

10 cranial radiation treatments

More than 50 treatments for nausea, fever, low platelets, lung infections, loss of hair and other side effects.

Just before one her treatments. Some chemo given through a stent inserted into her chest.

For weeks, when she first got sick, the family had many visits to the emergency room in Belize. They gave her lots of tests, IV's and treatments, but Elaxie kept getting sicker and sicker with high fevers and severe joint pain. The hospital finally gave up and sent the family home.

Aixa's aunt, a nurse in medical school, finally got Elaxie admitted to an excellent childrens' cancer hospital in Honduras. Many of the staff were trained at St Jude's here in the US

Treatments vary, typically, Aixa or her mother travel with Elaxie on a grueling 14 hour, each way, bus trip from Belize City to San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Treatments are 4-5 weeks apart. Aixa works her normal schedule day from 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

On Saturday, she and Elaxie travel the 14 hour bus ride to Honduras. On Sunday, Elaxie gets her lab work done. On Monday, Elaxie has her chemo treatment. Sometimes a spinal tap and bone marrow test as well. On Tuesday, 14 hour bus trip back to Belize city. One Wednesday, Aixa is back at work. Her coworkers cover for her and she pays their time back working 4 weeks without a day off. Soon after, she and Elaxie travel back to Honduras for the next chemo treatment. This was the routine for more than 4 years.

Sometimes, Aixa's mother travels with Elaxie to Honduras so Aixa can continue to work. When covid hit, the countries closed their borders without notice. Her mother and Elaxie were stranded in Honduras.

Aixa did not see her daughter for a full year when the borders reopened.

Elaxie's dad also works long hours. He has held fundraisers himself to help raise money.

These are such hard working, sweet, loving people who live so frugally and have sacrificed everything to help their daughter.

Obviously, they are devastated, but they never complain.

Belated birthday with her dad. She "celebrated" her ninth birthday having

a spinal tap and bone marrow test.

Elaxie with her mom

Aixa is so grateful and encouraged because many of you have donated in the past. I cannot say enough how much your past generosity has meant to her. She is so moved by donations given by people she has never met.

This is such a beautiful family deserving of any donation you would consider making. Air miles would also help.

Elaxie needs a bone marrow transplant to live. Elaxie fights every day to get better. She is so strong emotionally and she laughs and plays inspite of her leukemia. Let's help her!!!

Thank you for reading this and considering a donation. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.