Help Amaya Marie Tamayo Fight AML Leukemia

Our world changed in an instant when our vibrant, healthy 14-year-old daughter, Amaya Marie Tamayo, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), an aggressive and life-threatening form of cancer.

Amaya has always been full of life, laughter, and determination. She stayed current with all of her medical checkups and showed no warning signs beyond a fever. Then, on April 16, 2026, our lives were turned upside down when we learned she had AML. Doctors immediately began treatment, explaining that this type of leukemia progresses rapidly and requires urgent, intensive care.

For the past two months, Amaya has been hospitalized, courageously enduring two rounds of chemotherapy. Through every difficult treatment, countless tests, and long days in the hospital, she has continued to show incredible strength and resilience.

Her dedicated medical teams at Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, along with specialists in Minnesota, have worked tirelessly to give her the best possible chance at recovery. Now, Amaya faces her next and most critical step: a bone marrow transplant.

In just a few short months after her diagnosis, we learned that a transplant is necessary to save her life. Unfortunately, Amaya’s three siblings were tested and are not a match. As her parents, we can only serve as half-match donors, making the search for the best possible donor even more challenging and emotional for our family.

To receive the specialized care she needs, our family must relocate to Minnesota for approximately four months while Amaya undergoes her transplant and recovery. During this time, we will be facing overwhelming medical expenses, travel costs, housing needs, meals, and significant time away from work so we can remain by her side throughout this journey.

Asking for help is not easy, but today we are reaching out to our community, friends, family, and kind-hearted strangers for support. Every donation, no matter the amount, will help ease the financial burden and allow us to focus on what matters most—helping Amaya heal and giving her the best chance at a healthy future.

If you are unable to donate, we humbly ask for your prayers, positive thoughts, and help sharing Amaya’s story. We also encourage everyone to consider joining the bone marrow registry. A simple cheek swab through the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) or Gift of Life registry could one day save someone’s life. Even if you are not a match for Amaya, you could become a lifesaving match for another patient desperately waiting for hope.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love, support, prayers, and generosity during the most difficult chapter of our lives.

With gratitude,

Casandra Puente, Family, and Amaya Marie Tamayo