Love and Light for Gianna

Hi! My name is Bree Driskell and I am fundraising for my brave and beautiful 12 year old niece, Gianna Kubin.

On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, my brother Graem and sister-in-law Sara received an urgent medical call stating that Gianna’s blood panel results showed irregularities and extremely low platelet counts. Gianna was immediately driven to the Pediatric ER at Edwards-Elmhurst Hospital, Naperville, IL. It was during that exam that doctors advised them Gianna was to be transported by ambulance to one of three pediatric cancer hospitals for further testing and final diagnosis. Gianna, with Sara by her side, was rushed to Comer’s Children’s Hospital, UIC, Chicago, IL. It was there that Gianna was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

AML is aggressive and will progress very quickly. Gianna began her first 4 hour chemotherapy treatment on Thursday, May 24, 2024. She suffered intense side affects, including bloody nose, diarrhea, extreme nausea. From Friday through Sunday, she was weak and only slept and received treatments. Gianna will remain in the hospital for 4-6 weeks undergoing continued intensive treatments.

Gianna is an active, athletic, joyful girl. She enjoys playing volleyball, and runs track for her Middle School Foxes team. She is a spunky cheerleader for the Foxes and has competed with her cheer teams. In addition to Graem and Sara, Gianna has a brother, Nathan, and a sister, Ella. Gianna is the baby of the family, and is a well-versed, perceptive, intelligent, loving family member and friend. Her life, as well as that of this family-on-the-move, has been completely turned upside down. Everything has changed for this amazing family and now they are all committed to fighting the battle together.

The full course of Gianna’s treatment is unknown at this time, but the doctors expect it to continue for perhaps 3+ years. Graem, Sara, Nathan and Ella will be very busy balancing their lives with Gianna’s treatments, medical tests, hospitals, doctors, insurance, school needs, as well as every possible incidental expense imaginable.

I am asking for any donation you may possibly be able to provide so that the Kubin family, affectionately referred to by all of us as “Team Kubin”, can focus more on their faith and healing and less on medical bills, downtown hospital parking fees, extra meals for the children, as well as anything else health insurance does not cover.

Please keep Gianna in your prayers, as well as Graem, Sara, Nathan and Ella. They have accepted the challenge, it is their new normal. Our entire family is so very grateful for all of your thoughts, prayers and generous donations. Please continue to follow Gianna’s journey on her Kubin Strong Facebook page where one day, we will all be posting the words "Congratulations, Gianna! You beat it!"

Thank you.