Our sweet, courageous Carley has recently been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Children with Down syndrome have a significantly higher risk of developing leukemia as compared to their peers without Down syndrome. (This vital piece of information is being shared in case you have a loved one with Down syndrome and were not aware of the increased risk.) As an individual with Down syndrome, Carley has worked hard to overcome challenges that many of us will never experience, and she is facing this new challenge—leukemia—with strength and grace.

Currently, Carley is in the induction phase of treatment and is receiving chemotherapy in the hospital. She will remain in the hospital for a month before heading home for her 13th birthday. While Carley is in the hospital, her mother and father (Eliza and Mark Harris) are and will continue to be by her side. They are Carley’s main source of comfort, and their love for and devotion to their daughter is palpable.

After the induction phase of chemotherapy, Carley will enter the intensification and consolidation phase of treatment. She will be out of school through February break. While Carley is out of school, she will be cared for during the day by her father, who will monitor her temperature hourly (if she has a fever she must be driven to the ER within an hour) and will take her to her weekly appointments at the infusion center. During this time, Carley also will need to be admitted to the hospital for a handful of four-day stays. 

When Carley returns to school in late February, she will be in the maintenance phase of treatment. Her educational team is eagerly awaiting her return. As Carley’s teacher for the past two years, I have been blessed with a hug and a smile from her each morning; no matter the weather, Carley brings sunshine into the classroom. She is bright, kind, and a joy to be around. She delights in life. Her whole team feels fortunate to know her.

While Carley’s doctors and nurses work to help her reach remission, her educational team would love to help remove some of the financial pressure from her parents so that they can focus on Carley’s health and well-being during this difficult time. While Carley's parents are by her side, they are missing work, yet they still have mortgage, maintenance, insurance, and car payments to make as well as everyday expenses to cover (e.g., eating their breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the hospital). And that's before the medical bills pile up . . .

If you are able to make a donation, any amount will be greatly appreciated. If you cannot donate, I know that Carley’s family would be thankful for your prayers. Please also consider sharing this cause to help care for Carley while she endures the next two years of treatment. Many thanks!