Support Marilyn’s Brave Battle with Leukemia

As many of you may know, and some may not, on March 15th, my niece Marilyn was diagnosed with B-Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL). This news was shocking for the entire family. She had initially been struggling to overcome a lingering ear infection, and it was through our persistent request for additional work-up that her cancer was discovered. At five years old, Marilyn has been so brave and immediately began chemotherapy three days after her bone marrow biopsy and diagnosis. She was discharged from the hospital with a PICC line that she named Mr. PICC. She finished her first round of Induction chemo on March 29th, which showed positive progress. She then had her PICC line removed, and a port placed (named Porty), and started the next phase of treatment (Consolidation). We were overcome with relief when we found out she had achieved complete remission on May 9th. She now continues her Consolidation chemotherapy. On top of her cancer treatment, Marilyn has also struggled with hearing loss as a result of her initial ear infection. A few weeks ago she received her first pair of hearing aids and was able to choose the color which helped her be more excited to wear them. They have made such a difference for her, and we are so glad she can hear well again.

She has had her ups and downs throughout treatment but has always been so great listening to her doctors and taking all the medicine she is asked to. Her hospital has been wonderful, and we feel so safe and confident with their treatment plan. They have a Child Life program that has helped explain all the things happening to Marilyn in a way she can understand. For being such a young girl, Marilyn has shown a deep insight into what is happening and what her sickness means. It has been beyond painful to experience this alongside her and we are in awe of her strength every day.

For those of you who know Marilyn, you know she is an absolute bright shining light in our world. She is incredibly smart, always remembering unique details about people, places, and experiences that you wouldn’t expect from someone so young. She is full of life and energy and her silly, sweet spirit has made a place in our hearts that is so special, it is hard to put into words. Her school had these words to share, “Marilyn is a remarkable student, full of energy, enthusiasm, and kindness. Her absence from the classroom leaves a noticeable void, not only in our TK class but also in our hearts. We miss her contagious laughter, her bright smile, and her unwavering positivity…”

Over the past few months, we have had time to absorb the extent of treatment, which will last a full 2-3 years. These first few months have only been the beginning of a long and difficult journey to recovery. Marilyn has been and will continue to be on the home-studies program through her school. She has doctors’ appointments 1-3x per week, and my sister Sara (her mom) is her full-time caregiver. At this time, she is now only able to continue her part-time remote work and can no longer maintain her other part-time position. As a single mom, this time has been especially stressful for her. She has limited outside financial support.

Although Marilyn’s medical needs are fully covered by insurance at this time, I know there would be a great deal of anxiety and stress eased if she had money placed aside for her and Marilyn in case of emergencies, to put towards future plans for her and Marilyn, for everyday bills that are difficult to meet now, and for activities that will brighten Marilyn’s spirits when she is having a tough time.

Right now, Marilyn is immunocompromised and not able to be in many public places. That has not stopped her talking about plans for when she “gets better,” including a trip to Santa Barbara, the zoo, Disneyland, and the beach. She is incredibly resilient and even with the struggles that come along with chemo, she remains a positive light. She talks about the different wigs she will buy, puts on a strong face during her procedures, and practices being “Nurse Bossendorfer”, pretending to perform the procedures that have been done to her, on people at home. She always makes the best of a confusing and unfair situation.

Sara and Marilyn have already received a tremendous amount of love from family and friends, who have given meals, gifts, and continued to check in on them through messages and prayer. They are so grateful for every thoughtful gesture everyone has made. This has been difficult for everyone to process and accept, and I have decided to move forward with creating a GoFundMe page for Sara and Marilyn as a way for anyone who desires to offer their support through a donation.

In honor of Sara’s 37th birthday on Saturday, I am hoping 37 people can donate. She has asked for nothing for her birthday, and 37 donations would be her 37 wishes and 37 pieces of hope I can give her for this next year. We are so grateful to anyone who can contribute.