A tight-knit group of us from Chandler, AZ have remained friends for many decades, some as far back as elementary school. Together we established this fundraiser for our friend’s 11 year-old daughter, Kylie Lark. On May 5, 2020 Kylie was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer that tends to occur in children and young adults.

Kylie was born on September 15, 2008. She is a fun loving fifth grader who enjoys reading, singing in church, sports, dancing and hanging out with friends. But most of all, Kylie loves spending time with her parents, Daryl and Jolene, her older sister Kayla, her two half-brothers, Jeffrey and Jacob and especially her new dog, Dallas. Last year Kylie started playing co-ed volleyball and was voted the Most Inspirational Player (MIP) on her team. The Elites won the championship under the supervision of Coach Mel and Coach Daniel. Like her parents, Kylie is no stranger to giving. She is very active with her Girl Scout Troop 2019, including their community service and fundraising programs. Every year, we all buy our Girl Scout cookies from Kylie and Kayla!!!

It all happened so suddenly. Two weeks prior to the cancer diagnosis, Kylie was complaining about pain and swelling in one of her knees. Initially Daryl and Jolene thought it might be the result of a recent fall down a short flight of stairs. After a few days, when her knee was not getting any better, they decided to visit an Urgent Care for x-rays and an exam. Later that afternoon, the doctor said there was a high likelihood it could be cancer. The next morning, the Lark family was at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH), where they confirmed the diagnosis within a few hours. Can you imagine how devastating that would be? For any of us, life can change in an instant. The hard truth is what really matters are the next steps you take, towards coping and dealing with whatever happened.

Kylie and her family know they have a long road ahead. She already started chemotherapy, two days after diagnosis. Her treatments are expected to last at least seven months and will include surgery. Kylie was most heartbroken when she found out she will not be able to return to school this year as a sixth grader. Unfortunately, she will be spending the next several months in and out of the hospital. Kylie already misses her friends at Jane D. Hull Elementary in Chandler, AZ. Through their actions, the Lark family understands how important it is to stay positive and keep their faith in God. Jolene said in one Facebook post: “We had lots of tears and smiles. Tomorrow is a new day.” Yes, one day at a time. That is what it will take.

This fundraiser was established to ease the burden on Kylie’s parents, so the family can focus on her treatments, healing and spending precious time together. Our friend Daryl is a very proud man. He is the first person to give and the last person to ask for help. Jolene is the most caring and loving mother. They have been married for 14 years and are the perfect team to take on this life altering challenge. When we approached them about the idea of starting a Go Fund Me page, Daryl said “This is way bigger than me and it is for the baby of our family and there is no way I can get in the way of that.”

So far, 2020 has not been a good year for any of us living through this Corona Virus pandemic. It just got worse for the Lark family. As they face the unthinkable and start their long journey with Kylie to beat cancer, each one of us is blessed with an opportunity to help a beautiful family. As individuals our contributions will be small, but together we can make a difference and alleviate some of the day to day financial pressures that will certainly mount during this time of critical care.

Dear Kylie, with the love and support of your friends and family… WE ALL GOT THIS!!! #kyliestrong