Help Our Sweet Isla Fight Cancer

On Friday night, October 24th, Isla suddenly stopped breathing and turned blue. Thanks to James and Callie’s vigilance and quick action, they rushed her to the ER where doctors performed chest compressions to revive her. She was put on a ventilator and sedated.

Subsequent scans revealed masses on her heart, abdomen, and kidney. After days of testing, our sweet Isla has been diagnosed with T Cell Leukemia. It’s an unimaginable reality for such a little girl and her loving parents.

Callie and James are utterly heartbroken and in shock — everything changed in a matter of hours. As they navigate the uncertainty ahead, one thing is clear: they need their community now more than ever.

Both Callie and James, who are self-employed, are taking leave from work to focus entirely on caring for Isla and being by her side. Thank you for being part of their loving community and for surrounding them with hope, strength, and prayers.

How You Can Help

Many of you have already reached out asking what you can do to support them. As friends, family, and community, we can give Callie and James the gift of being able to fully focus on Isla, without worrying about anything else. We’ve set an initial goal of $50,000, and your support will help cover:

A Meal Train has also been created for anyone who’d like to support the family that way. You can have food sent through UberEats or similar services, even from afar.

Where Things Stand Now

For as joyous as Isla is, she’s also as strong as a bull. The true definition of a lion’s heart. She remains critically ill but continues to show signs of progress. She’s still intubated and sedated, but she opens her eyes here and there to let Callie and James know she’s okay. Her vitals are still touch-and-go, but stabilizing more and more every day.

There's been some cautiously hopeful news recently. Despite the seriousness of her diagnosis, she’s already responding positively to early treatments. The mass in her chest has begun to shrink, and she’s taking more breaths on her own each day.

This will be a long and difficult road, but Isla’s light is fierce. Your love, prayers, and generosity mean the world to Isla and her family. Every donation and message gives them the strength and hope they need for the journey ahead. Please share Isla’s story, and thank you for being part of the Fay Family’s village.

November 1, 2025 Update:

Isla's lungs are looking better each day, and the masses are shrinking. The doctors will continue weaning her off the ventilator as they work toward extubation. She had her first round of chemo two days ago, and she's handling it like the champ she is. It looks like Isla's chemo treatments will last 2 years. We're so grateful to Cottage's PICU team—they're giving her exceptional care with such diligence, attention to detail, and constant watchfulness.

November 6, 2025 Update:

Isla is awake! After 12 long days sedated and intubated, doctors felt the risk was low enough to wake her. She woke up in a daze and it didn't take long for her to ask for a popsicle! Priorities! She's calm and relaxed while the meds wear off. Still a long road to recovery ahead, but we're hopeful the worst is behind us.

November 18, 2025 Update:

Dear friends, family, and supporters,

We want to begin by sharing a hopeful update: Isla is now home with Callie and James, surrounded by comfort, love, and familiar faces as she begins her two-year course of chemotherapy. Your donations, messages, and kindness have helped carry this family through the most overwhelming weeks of their lives. They feel your support every single day, and we are deeply grateful.

In that same spirit of community, we are hosting a special fundraising gathering to continue supporting Isla and her family in the months ahead:

✨ An Evening for Isla✨

Tuesday, December 2

5:00–7:00 PM

Santa Barbara Wine Collective

131 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA

Invitation

Thanks to the incredible generosity of Acme Hospitality, the SB Wine Collective is opening its doors and providing the space, wine, and light bites—allowing every dollar raised to go directly to Isla’s care.

This evening will be an opportunity to come together, share in community, and offer strength and love to the Fay family. At 6:00 PM, we’ll gather for a brief program and communal toast in honor of Isla and everyone who has shown up so wholeheartedly for her.

If you are nearby, we would be honored to have you join us.

Please RSVP here.

If you cannot attend, please consider sharing this invitation and GoFundMe with your network. Every message, share, and donation truly makes a meaningful difference.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for holding Isla, Callie, and James so close.