We are Dallon White and Carly Brown, the proud parent's of a beautiful 6 year old girl named Tessa Rae White.

Tessa was born with Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome), a blessing that has made her gentle, joyful, and full of light. She is nonverbal, but she expresses herself through music. When she sits at her little piano, every note she plays is full of feeling, laughter, and love. Her dream is to become a pianist one day, sharing her heart through sound.

She loves jumping on the trampoline, playing at the park, riding the 4 wheeler, picking flowers, playing in the mud, swimming, and spending time with family and friends. She adores animals and plants, has a cat and a dog, and gives so much love to everyone lucky enough to know her.

Since birth, Tessa has never been to the hospital for anything at all, not for sickness, surgeries, or even a single overnight stay. She has always been strong, healthy, and full of joy.

Then everything changed. On October 8, 2025, Tessa was diagnosed with B ALL Leukemia, a serious form of childhood blood cancer. We are now at Essentia Health Pediatrics in Duluth MN, where she is receiving care from an amazing team of doctors and nurses.

Seeing your child’s first hospital experience be something this serious is heartbreaking. Watching her go through bone marrow biopsies, blood transfusions, and chemotherapy is something no parent should ever have to face. Yet through it all, Tessa keeps shining. Even in silence, her spirit speaks through music, through her eyes, and through her smiles.

I have been by her side 24 hours a day, every single day since her diagnosis. I play piano for her every night, read her stories, sing to her every day, and pray with her in Ojibwemowin, our Anishinaabe language. These moments bring her peace, comfort, and strength, reminders of home, love, and the heartbeat of our culture.

We are asking for help to cover

Medical costs not covered by insurance

Travel and lodging for hospital stays

Nutritional and comfort items to help her stay strong through treatment

Basic living expenses while I stay by her side

Every donation, prayer, and share helps us stay close to Tessa and gives her the best chance at recovery so one day she can be back outside picking flowers, laughing in the sun, and playing piano to tell her story through music once again.

From our hearts, Miigwech (thank you) for standing with us and helping Tessa continue to shine her bright light.

#TeamTessa #LittlePianist #LeukemiaWarrior #DownSyndromeStrong #FondDuLacFamily #RezStrong #Miigwech