Kindness for the Keenans

This is Mara...she was recently not feeling well and developed some bruising on her face.  She was admitted to Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital and was diagnosed with ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) in March 2018.  She started her first course of chemotherapy this week but her treatment will persist over the next two years.  Mara’s story is a special one and it started when she was just nine days old and taken in by her then foster mom, Tammy.  The bond between them was instant and Tammy was hopeful that she would be able to be her forever Mom.  Over the next 18 months Tammy and her Mom, Joyce raised Mara and took in another foster baby and loved and devoted their lives to both of them.  Tammy was able to permanently adopt Mara on September 23, 2014...making her dream of having her own child a reality.  Since that time, Tammy,  with the help of her mom, has devoted herself and her home to numerous children in need of foster placement putting their needs before her own.  Tammy is currently in the process of adopting another baby boy.  

Throughout Tammy’s time with Mara and all the other children she’s cared for she has worked full time as nurse with her mom helping care for the kids during her work hours.  Now Tammy will need to devote all of her time to little Mara as she is fighting this leukemia.  Treatment is lengthy and Mara will have multiple hospitalizations and need extra support from her Momma.  Tammy’s job as an Oncology Nurse Case Manager will be waiting for her but unfortunately FMLA does not provide any lost wages.  Please help support this wonderful family who has devoted so much to love and support others.