Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. - Isaiah 41:10

Eleven days ago, The Goodsell family received news that no one ever dreams of receiving. “Your little girl has cancer.” In an instant, their lives were forever changed.

Nora Sellers Goodsell, four years old, was diagnosed with high risk B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Every 8 days, she receives a lumbar puncture and a high dose of chemotherapy. In between those 8 days, she receives smaller chemo treatments that will eventually be given at home. She has a port that has been placed into her chest that will be accessed to deliver her treatments over the next couple of years. Some of her treatments will require them to stay at the hospital, and some will be outpatient. Fevers, common colds and any other viruses will be their worst enemy and nightmare for the next year. Her body doesn’t produce what she needs to fight them anymore, so they will be back in the hospital if she has a fever over 99.4. Nora will be fighting this battle for 2 - 2.5 years, with treatments adjusting to how her body responds. The first 6-9 months will be the most intense treatments. The first month will be the first major hurdle. There will be numerous doctor visits and heavy chemo to try and wipe the leukemia from her blood. On day 29, they will have a bone marrow procedure, and that will determine the next steps for our fierce little girl!

God works in mysterious ways… The Goodsells recently relocated to Crestview, FL, which is only about 45 minutes away from Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital where they have a wonderful pediatric oncology unit. The doctors and nurses have been fantastic in every way!

Please consider giving what you can to help the Goodsells in their journey to finding a “new normal” for the next couple of years, as well as helping the hospital & other patients. The oncology unit has a playroom for their patients with toys, movies, and video games. These toys have seen lots of love over the years. The sweet kiddos who have multiple extended stays would surely love to see new things in there! It didn’t take me long during my visit to see that the oncology floor most definitely is filled with a “family” atmosphere. It’s all hands on deck between doctors, nurses, and families helping one another get through tough times & hold onto all hope for healing!