Mighty Maisie fights cancer

Around our house, you can't go one single day without hearing our three-year-old son gush about his best friends "Maisie (2) and Margot (6)!" These two sisters are all scraped knees and toothy smiles. They live directly across the street from us. Their parents Jennie and Drew are precisely the kind of neighbors you wish for: funny, validating and animal-loving. The kind of people who see you weeding the yard and lend a hand (I thought that was just in movies), text you to borrow some pesto (sorry we still don't have any), and co-host a magnificent game night (core memory).

The kind of people who ask you: "Do you think Maisie is walking strange? I'm really worried about her." The kind of people who tell you: "She's been to the ER twice, but they can't figure it out."

The kind of people who tell you:

"F*ck, it's cancer..."

And here's the thing, Drew and Jennie are just like me (but cooler). They are just like you. There's no rhyme or reason why it's their child and not one of ours.

Mighty Maisie just turned two in June. She was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia less than four months later. She started chemotherapy yesterday; her port was placed surgically today. While I write this, her blonde mop of hair snuggles deeper into her blanket. She sucks on her pacifier. Her face glows red with the rainbow nightlight. Jennie and Drew do everything within their power to comfort her. Mighty Maisie finally drifts to sleep.

We have every hope and faith that she will beat this thing. However, it's a long road to recovery. Seriously. Long. It's an estimated 2 to 2.5 years of ongoing treatment. Jennie and Drew will need to pay for medical bills, travel for care, help Maisie throughout her treatment, pay for meals, and still try to care for their 6-year-old daughter. Can you imagine what that would do to your household finances? Any amount is received with gratitude. For those unable to contribute financially, please send prayers, vibes, or thoughts to this amazing family.

My three-year-old asked me: "Is Maisie feeling all better yet?" No. Not yet. Someday Mighty Maisie WILL feel all better. Thanks for your support along the way <3

Jennie and Drew, we all have so much love for you, Mighty Maisie and Magical Margot

<3 <3 <3