Jessie and I have been friends since middle and high school, and we've stayed in touch over the years. She is a loving mom to two amazing boys: Liam, a fun and energetic five-year-old, and his younger brother, August. Earlier this year, in February 2025, Jessie and her family received the devastating news that Liam had been diagnosed with leukemia. Since then, their lives have been turned upside down as they face the challenges of childhood cancer together.

Liam has shown incredible bravery, enduring over 213 doses of chemotherapy, 13 lumbar punctures, sedations, a chemo treatment in his spine, oral surgery, and several life flights and extended hospital stays. Jessie, while caring for both Liam and August, is also attending nursing school full time. Because of Liam's intensive treatment schedule, which requires traveling four hours away from home one to two times a week, Jessie is unable to work full time. The financial strain of medical bills, travel expenses, and daily costs has been overwhelming for their young family.

To help support Jessie and her boys, my family is hosting a special fundraiser event called "Liam's Fight Day" at our indoor playground, Town Square Play Cafe, located in Chesapeake, Virginia, on December 7th from 1-6pm. This pay-what-you-can event will feature open play, face painting, cupcake and cape decorating, bounce houses, raffles, and more. Every dollar raised will go directly to Jessie and her family. We want the community to come together and show that "His fight is our fight." Your support—whether through attending the event or donating here—will help take some of the stress off Jessie's shoulders, especially as the holiday season approaches. Please join us in making a difference for this wonderful family. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help Liam and his family find hope and relief during this incredibly challenging time.