Josie May’s Journey Fighting Leukemia

Hi Friends,

We are sharing this on behalf of our sweet Josie May, her little sister Annie, and her parents. After a trip to the doctor for what was thought to be a simple ear infection, Ross and Mclaren found out their otherwise healthy and energetic 3-year-old has leukemia.

The news came suddenly, and they are currently inpatient at UNC Children’s in Chapel Hill as she begins the first phase of her 3-year treatment plan, which is the same amount of time we have been blessed with her precious little Jesus-singing, guitar-stringing self (much like her daddy).

Like so many families facing childhood cancer, the costs will add up quickly in unexpected ways: temporary lodging near the hospital for treatments, travel back and forth, meals, and the many unplanned expenses that come with a long stretch away from home, along with the medical bills a 3-year treatment plan will inevitably bring. This burden is the last thing we want them to carry.

In a time when the answer to “what can we do” is still unknown, easing the financial burden of it all seems like the best and simplest way to start.

There’s absolutely no pressure to give—this fundraiser is simply a way to give for those who’ve asked how they can help.

If more is given than they need, any leftover funds will be donated to another family in treatment or to the Ronald McDonald House, to help other families who may not have a community as generous and encouraging.

I want to stress this with my whole heart:

1. The purpose of this is to give them the time & funds they need to focus on Josie & her healing and all the money they will need and lose in the process of doing so.

2. There will be no profit earned from this. It serves as a forum that allows us to serve them and eventually others who are going through the heart-wrenching diagnosis of childhood cancer and the hurdles it brings to the family.

3. Anything raised that is not spent for this purpose (which we will be tracking diligently) will be donated to another family with the same needs either directly or through Ronald McDonald.