Support Layla's Fight Against Leukemia

Our sweet, little, 18-month old Layla Karaisz was diagnosed with sudden onset B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) earlier this week.

Layla seemed no different than any other toddler in a daycare center. She experienced some normal illnesses, occasional bruising, and a few fevers, which was not alarming, but seen as normal. Earlier this week, Gina and TJ noticed something wasn't quite right with her and thankfully sought out medical attention. After running a blood test, it was determined that her white blood cell count reached a dangerous level. She was immediately admitted to the emergency room and Pediatric ICU for a blood transfusion followed by a platelet transfusion.

These transfusions and current medical treatment are critical to stabilize her for the scheduled bone marrow and spinal tap biopsies to assess the spread of the disease. Layla is scheduled to receive her first dose of Chemotherapy on Friday, August 22nd as she and her family head into a very intense first month of her required treatment and therapies.

Layla will remain in the hospital for a few more weeks as she starts her 2-year Chemotherapy to battle the Leukemia on her journey to full remission and cure. Layla's prognosis is hopeful as 90% of children with B-ALL go into full remission after their 5-year scan. The earlier it is diagnosed and treated, the more promising the prognosis. While this form of Leukemia is curable, it will not be an easy journey to get there.

Layla will require lengthy hospital stays and social isolation. She will be removed from daycare and school while undergoing treatment. The funds raised will help Gina and TJ with Layla's hospital bills, her therapies, and medications related to her battle with Leukemia.

To know Layla, Gina, and TJ is to love them. Thank you so much for supporting our girl, Layla, and her parents Gina and TJ. This is an incredibly difficult and emotional time as they navigate life with childhood cancer. We know Layla will fight this illness and grow up to be a vibrant, healthy girl as our brave childhood cancer survivor.