"You never think this will happen to you or your family” Oh, how many times I have heard that being said from others. Now, it’s our turn. My daughter, Riley, has been diagnosed with Burkitt Lymphoma. A rare and aggressive cancer that hit her so hard and quickly. After countless ER visits, bloodwork and doctor visits that gave her no answers, she was finally sent to Iowa City Hospitals. MRI and CT scans showed several masses throughout her spine and pelvic area. A PET scan showed more tumors including her shoulders and chest. After 4 days in the ICU she was transferred to the Oncology floor where she has to spend 5 days of ongoing chemo treatments for 22 hours each day. After that, she will meet with a Lymphoma specialist and make a plan for more chemo and monitoring. At this point, they are guessing this will be her life for the next 4 months. Then, we reevaluate. We are staying hopeful and taking it day by day, but this is the hard part because it's the beginning of a long journey towards recovery.

We are posting Riley's story to help relieve a small amount of stress on her and her family's already full plates. As many of you know, being sick is expensive and getting more so by the day. On top of Riley's day to day expenses, she is now adding countless hospital and doctor's bills to add to the financial strain. Because of the agressive nature of her chemo she is also unable to work while she is getting treatment, which is also taking away income that could help offset some expenses. We aim to raise as much as possible, so any amount helps and is greatly appreciated! If you can't afford to help financially, please send Riley prayers, love, and good energy to help her stay strong!

Thank you to everyone who has been rallying around Riley, you are all incredible! We love you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts!