Malea's Leukemia Recovery and Support for Baby Kairah

A loving mom diagnosed with leukemia and a dad that wishes he could do it all... Michael doesn't hesitate to take care of both of his girls every chance he gets. He's already a super dad to our *10-month-old, Kairah, and the definition of a "girl dad." This is our first baby and the light of our lives. I've never been happier in my life than I have since becoming Kairah's mama.

Unfortunately, everything is changing for our little family in a drastic way, and we need help. I was diagnosed with AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia) with adverse risk on October 21st, and our entire world has flipped upside down since. I was successfully starting to pursue my bachelor's degree full-time this past year, working part-time, and still spending every precious moment with my baby. All of that is being taken away from me temporarily while I start this battle.

I am starting my first phase of chemo today, 11/5 (a day before my bday!). The doctors tell me treatment can last up to 12 months, but I am determined to beat the odds. Depending on how long my chemotherapy lasts, the next phase of recovery will be a transplant that ultimately leads me to be cured of leukemia. While this is a really brief summary of a really complicated disease, I will share updates as they come. Because I have no way of knowing how chemo will make me feel, Michael may help me keep this up to date.

This fund will be used for any unexpected expenses that may come our way related to my health. However, the main need we have is to get help with our daughter while we navigate through this long road of recovery. This may come in the form of a nanny, during times when I need Michael's help to care for myself. Or we may be able to raise enough to hire a caregiver for me some days, to allow Michael to focus more time on Kairah. Obviously, bills still have to be paid, and that means Michael will have to return to work at some point. There aren't resources available to us for these needs besides your generous donations. I'll need someone to be there for Kairah in the moments I may be unable to now. Ideally, we'll raise enough to hire help. Any extra raised would go to bills.

My family gives me the motivation and strength to fight through this - all I want is a long, happy life with them. I will raise my daughter strong and kind. I will share every future joy with her and help her push through every hard moment. I will love and adore my partner endlessly as he continues to support me through this crazy life. Anything you can give means more than you know. Taking it day by day and remaining positive is our plan of action until I'm told I'm cured! I will kick this cancer's ass!!!