Support Leilah's Battle Against Cancer

Meet Leilah, a sweet, silly, and incredibly brave young girl who began the fight of her life at just 3.5 years old. In June of 2021, a concerning change in Leilah’s left eye prompted an eye examination, revealing an ominous presence behind her gaze. Swiftly, she was referred to Surrey Pediatric Hospital, where an MRI raised suspicions of a brain tumour, leading to her immediate admission to BC Children’s Hospital.

For a week, Leilah endured a battery of procedures- countless pokes, scans, and examinations, culminating in a biopsy surgery. A month and a half later, devastating news arrived: Leilah had a rare cancerous tumour behind her left eye, posing a serious threat to her health and well-being.

Just days after celebrating her fourth birthday, Leilah faced a gruelling eight-hour surgery to remove the tumour. It had grown to such an extent that it pressed on her optic nerve, infiltrated her nasal cavity, and even breached her brain barrier. Despite the daunting challenges, the medical team clung to hope, believing they had eradicated the tumour. However, a year later, during a routine MRI, a harsh reality emerged – the cancer had returned, quietly growing once again.

Leilah's struggle extends beyond cancer itself; it's a battle against the constraints of available treatment options. Her case is exceptionally rare, with no documented instances of this cancer type at BC Children’s Hospital, and its unique location presents numerous obstacles. Currently, Leilah is undergoing treatment with oral medication, offering a glimmer of hope to slow the tumour's progression. However, this treatment journey is fraught with challenges, including side effects such as immune suppression and mouth sores, as well as uncertainty regarding its effectiveness. Moreover, Leilah grapples with the anxiety that accompanies medical interventions, enduring weekly hospital visits that take a sigificant toll on her and her family.

Your donations will directly assist Leilah and her family as they navigate the demanding cycle of hospital visits, travel expenses, medication costs, and unexpected hospitalizations. With uncertainty shrouding her prognosis, the duration of this challenging lifestyle remains uncertain. Additionally, your contributions will fund essential support services, including counselling and access to psychologists, to alleviate anxiety and PTSD symptoms, providing solace amidst the storm. Regardless of size, every donation will alleviate financial strain and foster hope for Leilah's future.

The financial toll of cancer can devastate a family's stability. Your support will offer a sense of security amid the uncertainty of diagnosis, providing stability and reassurance.

Thank you for familiarizing yourself with Leilah's courageous journey and considering supporting her in her battle against cancer. Together, we can profoundly impact her life, bolstering her family with the resilience needed to confront this formidable challenge. Leilah and her family epitomize warriors in every sense, but even the strongest warriors benefit from a helping hand.