Hazel's Heroes

It is with heavy hearts that our family shares this news.

What began as mild cold symptoms, has quickly escalated into the unimaginable. After several weeks back and forth to doctors’ appointments with no answers and Hazel’s condition not improving, Bridget and Ian (Hazel’s Mom & Dad) received an order for Hazel to get bloodwork done for additional testing.

On that day, Tuesday, June 27th, our world stood still. After an abnormal blood test result, Bridget & Ian were advised to rush Hazel to the Emergency Room at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin with a children’s oncology appointment following. Hours later, they were told the unthinkable—Hazel was diagnosed with Leukemia. It’s still incredibly difficult to digest that our beautiful, vivacious, witty, and energetic 5-year-old Hazel has cancer.

It has since been confirmed that Hazel has T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL). Although rare (~6,500 diagnosis’ per year), Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia is the most common form of pediatric cancer. With incredible advancements in modern medicine most children (nearly 90%+) make a full recovery and live a healthy life. But no matter how high the success rate, the terrifying reality is that a child that has been diagnosed with this disease must undergo extensive chemotherapy treatments to be cured.

Hazel’s treatment has begun, with a goal of remission in 35 days. When she is in remission, she will continue maintenance chemotherapy for two years. Hazel’s positivity, bravery, and resilience these past few days has been inspiring to her doctors, nurses and everyone around her.

Many have asked how you can help the Lindner’s and Hazel during this trying time. We believe in the power of prayer and ask for you to please pray over Hazel and her family (Ian, Bridget and younger sister, Penny) Additionally, helping relieve them of financial pressures will allow them to focus solely on Hazel’s treatment, healing, and recovery. The Lindner’s are the most gracious, kind, giving family. They are a pillar in their community, amongst their friends & family, as well as in their church.

Bridget and Ian would be eternally grateful for this looming financial weight to be lifted off of their shoulders. All donations will be used towards: medical bills, treatments, doctors’ appointments, medications, travel expenses, etc. over the course of treatment for the next 2+ years. Any surplus in donations will be donated to the Children’s Leukemia Research Association - helping fund research to end Leukemia.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and fighting alongside our girl, Hazel.

For more information/updates on Hazel, please visit: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/hazellindner

We ask that you please respect the Lindner’s privacy at this time and please refer to the above website for all updates on Hazel.

*This fundraiser has been set up by Samantha Lindner & Katie Emanuelson on behalf of Bridget & Ian Lindner*