Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Strangers, We are reaching out with heavy hearts to share that our beloved Alexandria, just 11, has been diagnosed with chordoma, a rare and malignant form of bone cancer. This diagnosis came after what we initially thought was a softball injury to her right leg. However, Alexandria began losing function in her left leg as well, and eventually, she was unable to walk. 

On Sunday, July 28, I took Alexandria to Akron Children's ER. An MRI revealed a tumor on her spine that runs behind her lung and into her spinal cavity, wrapping around her spinal cord and causing it to bend. The tumor is also right up against the aorta- a major artery. It spans over a large area of her chest cavity and vital organs. 

Emergency surgery was performed to remove as much of the tumor as possible from the spinal cavity to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and hopefully restore some function to her legs. The tumor has also damaged the bones in her spine, requiring reinforcement or reconstruction of sections of her spine to prevent collapse when the tumor is removed. 

Alexandria will also need multiple levels of physical therapy. We anticipate that she will be in the hospital for about a month, possibly longer depending on further scans to determine how far the cancer has spread. 

Since the emergency surgery, Alexandria has started to regain some function in her legs, but she still has a long road to recovery.

 She is looking forward to starting 6th grade and hopes to be healed in time to join her friends and classmates. Alexandria dreams of playing softball, riding bikes, and running outside again soon. 

 **Why We Need Your Help** 

The treatment and recovery process for chordoma is extensive and costly. As a one-income family of 6, we are struggling to cover the medical expenses and additional costs associated with Alexandria's care. From hospital stays to surgery, medication, and ongoing therapy, the financial burden is overwhelming.

 **How Your Donations Will Be Used** Every dollar raised will go directly towards:

 - Medical bills and treatment costs

 - Travel expenses for treatments and consultations with specialists 

- Necessary medications and medical supplies

 - Supportive therapies to help Alexandria cope with the side effects of treatment

 - Day-to-day living expenses to help our family focus on Alexandria's care 

 **How You Can Help**

 1. Donate: Any amount, big or small, will make a significant difference and bring us closer to our goal. 

2. Share: Please share this campaign with your network to spread the word and reach more generous hearts.

 3. Support: Your messages of love, encouragement, and prayers mean the world to us. 

Thank you for taking the time to read Alexandria's story and for your generosity. Together, we can give Alexandria the strength and support she needs to overcome this challenge and get back to being the vibrant, active girl she loves to be. 

 With heartfelt gratitude,

 Katrina and Family 

 If you would rather donate to another platform, we are accepting Zelle, Cashapp, Venmo, and PayPal. Please message myself or Katrina for the email.