Many of you know my sweet girl BK. She is full of sass, giggles, mischief, and pure love & joy. If you've ever met her, you know just how amazing and strong she is. 

For anyone that’s new, BK has been a fighter from the moment she started growing in my tummy. I found out when I was pregnantthat she has down syndrome and a congenital heart defect called an AVSD. She had her first open heart surgery at four months old, and when that repair failed, she nearly lost her life at only 7 months old. By the grace of God, she pulled through.

Last year, we moved to Texas so she could have her second open heart surgery at Texas Children's. They are very well known in the DSxCHD community. The surgery went beautifully, and for a little while, it felt like we could finally breathe. Her doctors were thrilled with how she was doing, and I started dreaming about all the normal toddler things we'd finally get to enjoy. Outside of this Texas heat lol. 

God, as he always does, lovingly reminded me that my plans and His don't always match.

Just six weeks after heart surgery, BK developed petechiae, and I rushed her back to the hospital. After hours in the ER, I heard the words no parent is ever prepared for:

*"We're suspecting leukemia."*

After countless labs, and being admitted, it was confirmed. BK was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. 

Since then, she's taken cancer on with the same strength she's faced every challenge in her life with. There have been long hospital stays, countless chemo treatments, blood transfusions, procedures, surgeries, infections, and more pokes than any 3 (almost 4 now) year old should ever have to count. Through it all, she's somehow still managed to continue to be her mischievous self, and bring so much joy to all of us who love her. And the medical team that treats her, seriously, they fight over who gets to be her nurse lol.

But jokes aside, seeing your child hurt is something I wouldn't wish on anyone. The treatment has been incredibly hard on her, and there are days I barely recognize my happy little girl because she's just so uncomfortable. But if there's one thing BK has taught me, it's that strength doesn't always look loud. Sometimes it looks like a tiny little girl choosing to smile and cause anyway.

As a single mom, my only job is to make sure she gets everything she needs. Right now, that's become more stressful than I ever imagined. Between long hospital stays, weekly treatments, travel, and medical expenses, things have been overwhelming.

So I'm asking for help. From family, friends, and from our community. 

If you're able to donate, thank you. If you can share our story, thank you. And if all you can do is pray, I truly believe that's one of, if not the greatest gift you can give us. Prayer has carried us through and will continue to carry us through. 

Please pray for healing, for strength, for peace on the hard days, and maybe, just maybe, that cancer gives BK a tiny break every once in a while. 

Thank you for loving my girl and walking this journey with us. We are endlessly grateful.

With love,

Cece & BK