Our family has received news we never imagined we would be sharing: our six-year-old daughter, Leyna, has been diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), a rare childhood cancer.

What began as unexplained swelling around her left eye led to an MRI that revealed a mass behind her eye. After being admitted to Children’s Hospital Colorado in Denver, Leyna underwent a biopsy, bone marrow testing, CT scans, a PET scan, and additional testing that ultimately confirmed RMS.

Because of the tumor’s location directly behind her eye, attempting to surgically remove it could cause permanent damage to her vision and eye movement. Instead, her doctors have developed a treatment plan focused on chemotherapy followed by targeted radiation, with the goal of eliminating the cancer while preserving her eye and its function.

On August 19, Leyna had a port placed in her chest and, following a successful recovery from surgery, is scheduled to begin her first round of chemotherapy. Her current treatment roadmap is approximately six months, with much of her ongoing chemotherapy expected to take place closer to home in Colorado Springs while the pediatric sarcoma specialists in Denver continue overseeing her care.

Our lives have changed very quickly. The months ahead will include chemotherapy, radiation, oncology appointments, medications, hospital stays, travel between Colorado Springs and Denver, homeschooling 3 out of 5 children, caring for Leyna and the rest of our family throughout treatment.

Many people have graciously asked how they can come alongside us. First and foremost, please pray. Pray for complete healing, for the treatment to eradicate the cancer, for Leyna’s eye and vision to be preserved, and for strength and wisdom for our family and her medical team.

For those who would like to support us financially, these funds will help our family navigate the many costs that come with caring for a child through cancer treatment—including medical expenses, medications, travel between Colorado Springs and Denver, hospital stays, meals, childcare, household support, homeschooling needs, and potential time away from work. With five children ranging from one to eleven years old and approximately six months of chemotherapy ahead, our goal is to give our family the flexibility to focus on Leyna’s treatment while continuing to care well for our other children and maintain stability at home.

We are incredibly grateful for every person who has already surrounded our family with prayer, encouragement, generosity, and love. We have a difficult road ahead, but our hope remains firmly in the Lord.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1