Lehana's Fight Against Leukemia

On May 31, 2024, Lehana was diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL). We went from Strep throat to a Cancer diagnosis in less than 24 hours. Crazy how quickly our lives can change. I felt as if I was living a parent’s worst nightmare. I was devastated, confused, broken, and helpless. Questioning why, why her, who just a few days ago prior was living her normal, happy life. Prior to her diagnosis, Lehana was a vibrant, loving, energetic, sarcastic 14 year old who enjoyed going to Schenectady High School, cracking jokes, caring for others and spending quality time with her sisters.  

 

Lehana was being treated for Strep but also had stomach pain. The Pediatrician ordered lab work for the following day. Within hours of the lab work being completed I received the devastating call. I was told to get to Albany Med as soon as possible that her white blood cell count was so high they detected Cancer. Also, to pack a bag as most likely it would be an extended stay.  

 

Upon arrival we were met with a team of doctors/nurses, and it was decided that more testing was in order. More labs, bone marrow biopsy, and a lumbar puncture. This is where I felt our whole world crashing down. With her increased cell counts the Pediatric Doctor suspected Leukemia. After the labs and other tests came back, they were able to make the diagnoses without the lumbar puncture. They did however need to move forward with the bone marrow biopsy to determine which type of Leukemia. APL was determined and she would begin Chemo that same night. 

 

During this time, due to her high counts she will be receiving 3 different types of Chemotherapy. Lehana will also need ongoing blood and platelet transfusions as well as supplement replenishments throughout her treatments. She will feel tired most of the time. She will be nauseated and irritable. We are hoping that once the 28 day treatment is complete, she will be able to come home for at least a week before returning for her second treatment. She had to be taken out the remainder of her freshman year and most likely her Sophomore year as she will need future treatments. She has already experienced a few bumps in the road with headaches, irregular heartbeat, nosebleeds which led to my decision to be by her side throughout nights and as much as possible during the day.  

 

This will be an ongoing fight for the next several months at minimum. We are hopeful that she beats this by her 16th birthday. On a lighter note, her smile still lights up the room, she holds the same humor, funny faces, gives the best hugs, has jokes, genuine belly laughs and always has the kindest heart. She has been a trooper, and her strength is inspiring to all.  

 

As of right now, visitors are welcome which has brightened her days throughout these dark times. Due to being immune compromised as soon as her health starts to deteriorate, she will be strictly limited to interactions with immediate family as her condition puts her at a very high risk of infection. A simple cold can set her back days or even weeks.

 

We must be very cautious on how we conduct our day-to-days. We will have to sacrifice family functions, holidays, gatherings, and vacations. She will miss her sister’s prom, end of the year field trips, camping on 4th of July, and celebrate her 15th birthday while here in the hospital.  

 

Leukemia treatment is $100,000+.

Insurance is incredibly helpful, but it may only cover so much. Expenses pile up, especially with only one salary coming in, which is now going to be limited. It has only been one week of treatment, and we saw a glimpse of our new life, we see ourselves in need to reach out to you, our friends and family to help us help this sweet girl fight this scary disease. No amount is too small. All funds will go directly to the care and wellbeing of Lehana.

 

We know that Lehana is loved by many. Thank you to all our family and friends who have already reached out to us. To everyone stepping in for her sisters and beloved pup Juni.  We are blown away by all the amazing medical/support staff and how dedicated they are. It has been a short stay, but she's already won their hearts as they have won ours. It takes a village and that has never been clearer.  Please continue to keep Lehana and our family in your prayers. Help us reach our goal by sharing our story/fundraiser. We truly appreciate everything.  

 

She will fight and she will WIN!