Hello! I'm Andrea. I'm writing to you all today on behalf of my Marine Corps Son, Deonce, and his beautiful wife, Jessika. Deonce and my son, Carlos, served together in the United States Marine Corps for several years before Deonces' honorable discharge in June 2017. Post discharge, Deonce returned home to Iowa where he met his wife, Jessika. They have 3 children together - Paisley, McKenna, and Julian. In February of 2024, their daughter, McKenna, fell seriously ill and began coding. She was airlifted from Waterloo Allen Hospital to Iowa City Children's Hospital where doctors learned McKenna has Leukemia. She was 5 years old at the time of her diagnosis. Over the last year, Deonce and Jessika have been traveling to and from Iowa City so McKenna can receive treatment, usually warranting a several weeks stay, and the financial strain has been tough.

In March of 2025, things got a lot harder when Deonce came down with COVID-19. As a result of Long COVID, Deonce has lost his hearing entirely and is no longer able to work. Deonce is in active treatment with his medical team at his local VA. Doctors do not believe his hearing will ever return and are exploring the possibility of a Cochlear Implant. As of right now, Deonce continue to be out of work as a result of his hearing loss.

When my son became a U.S. Marine, I inherited several courageous, smart, dedicated young men and women who are family to us. And our family has been dealt one hell of a blow and we need your help. Prior to McKenna's diagnosis, Jessika was in Nursing School. She had to stop after McKenna's diagnosis. Jessika works part-time at a local Pharmacy and tries to pick up substitute teaching jobs when she can for some kind of income but its not been enough to help them sustain. Deonce's hearing loss has resulted in additional and significant hardship due to loss of income.

McKenna continues in her fight against cancer and still has a long road ahead of her. Having worked in Pediatric Oncology for many, many years, I understand very clearly how chronic and life-threatening illnesses can impact a family. When that is then layered with another disability like hearing loss on top of what is already happening, the impact becomes far more severe. My son (yes, I consider Deonce my son & he calls me Moooooooma Bear) and his family need your help. Cancer doesn't care that bills have to be paid, food needs to be on the table, or that you can no longer work full-time to make all that happen. And, as it would seem, neither does COVID. So, I am pleading for your financial help for Deonce and Jessika. Even with insurance, the medical bills are piling high and with a loss of income, they simply cannot keep up. Anything you are able to give is not only needed, but very, very much appreciated.

Thank you & God bless ~

A worried Moooooooma Bear