This week my family received the worst news imaginable. After multiple blood tests, my beloved five-year-old niece, Mia Grace Garcia, was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. This disease is something that no one should have to face, especially children- the most innocent among us. Mia is so pure. She is the most caring, compassionate, intelligent, and thoughtful child that I have ever met. Since she was born, Mia has always been a beautiful light in our lives- a ball of energy. Mia is a true lover of people, always thinking of others before herself and finding ways to help those in need. To know Mia is to love Mia.

With all that personality and energy, this news was an unexpected blow to the gut. Mia has always been healthy, acting like your typical preschooler. Until the past month, when Mia was constantly tired, weak, and irritable due to being sick and in pain for nearly six weeks. Mia's mother and father took her to the doctor's office, urgent care, and emergency room multiple times. Still, each time she was sent home with antibiotics for viruses. However, Mia's parents knew in their hearts that there was more to this than just a viral infection. After another long night in the emergency room, Mia was transported to a specialist. She received additional tests and was officially diagnosed.

As you can imagine, our family's heart sank upon finding out about this devastating news. We knew our sweet, loving little girl was about to face the most difficult time of her life. Not only has this been tough on us, but it has been even tougher on Mia. She continues to deal with severe pain due to the leukemia levels in her bones while processing her disease and staying strong during her treatment.

This is a true test of our faith, but we believe that with the help of God, Mia will overcome this. But unfortunately, this is still just the beginning of a long, challenging journey. This has been especially hard for Mia's parents, who have just received the heartbreaking news of their daughter's health. As a result, all their attention and focus is on Mia. But before they know it, they will be hit with medical expenses, all while trying to adjust to their new norm. Making things more stressful, Mia and her family are still moving into their newly purchased home that they have been in for less than a month. When they are discharged, Mia's mother, Jasmin, will be taking an unpaid leave from work to stay home with Mia while she cannot attend school. Losing that source of income will have a massive impact on their finances, but there is not much else they can do in this situation.

We ask if you can help during this tough time; our family would be so grateful. If you cannot, we understand. Please share this link as much as possible, and please keep Mia and our family in your prayers. Thank you so much for your support.