Help Violet beat Leukemia #VIOLETSTRONG

Our beloved 18-month-old, Violet Faith Morgan, is starting a long road that no child should ever have to travel.

 

On Tuesday, December 28, 2021, Violet’s parents Zach and Kelsi, scheduled a visit to Riverview Pediatrics (Fulton, NY) for a rash that she had for a couple of weeks. There, the Dr. noticed this was a specific kind of rash called petechiae and sent Violet for blood testing, as this rash can be a result of abnormal blood counts. Later that night, while eating dinner as a family, the Dr. called with instructions to drop everything and head straight to Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse, where they had doctors waiting for them.

 

At Golisano, Zach and Kelsi received devastating news that all parents fear: Violet has cancer.

 

Following a bone marrow biopsy as well as chromosomal and genetic testing, Violet was diagnosed with an aggressive type of Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia (JMML). This is an extremely rare blood cancer with the only known cure being a bone marrow transplant along with intense chemotherapy.

 

During her first stay at Golisano, Violet had a blood and platelet transfusion and underwent surgery to put in a port for transfusions going forward.

 

Violet is now starting chemotherapy while the process takes place to find her a bone marrow donor, which could take some time. Once Violet has found her perfect match, the transplant will take place in either Rochester or Philadelphia, where they will spend quite a few months making sure her body accepts the transplant.

 

Since the day Violet’s bloodwork came back abnormal and they were sent to the hospital, Zach, Kelsi and Violet have had to isolate themselves from work, family, and friends because Violet cannot risk getting any illnesses. This isolation will last long after her transplant as Violet will be severely immunocompromised.

 

Violet has stolen the hearts of everyone that has had the privilege to know her in her short 18 months of life. To know Violet is to witness pure joy. With an energy that lights up any room she graces, the way she smiles with her eyes, laughs from her belly, and loves with her whole heart, it’s easy to see how very special she is. Violet is spunky and smart, fearless and funny. She has a personality 10 times her size. From her infectious laugh, ear to ear smile, stealing dance floors to her cold-hard sassy stares, Violet is full of LIFE.

 

Violet has given us all so much love and joy and now she needs an army behind her as she battles this illness. Violet has already begun defying the odds and amazing her doctors. She’s showing the world what we all know well, she is strong. She is VIOLET STRONG.

 

We have decided to start this Go Fund Me account to help support Kelsi and Zach as they navigate through this unimaginably difficult time. The next days, weeks, months and years ahead will be filled with uncertainty. They will need to be at countless doctor appointments and long hospital stays, many of which will be hours from home. The normal costs of everyday living, taking time away from work, and unforeseen medical costs, can be overwhelming during this time.

 

Our hope is to ease this financial burden so that Zach and Kelsi can concentrate all their time and energy on Violet as they fight this battle alongside her.

 

We humbly ask that you join us in our support for Violet. That you become part of our army as we stand behind her throughout her difficult journey. Violet has so much to share with this world, and we ask that you share this link with friends and family.

 

Other ways to help Violet and countless other children who are in need of a bone marrow transplant and blood transfusions are:

 

 

 

 

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your support. Together we will all be VIOLET STRONG.

 

Love,

The Simpelaar and Morgan Families