Pay it forward & Help Cheyenne

Have you ever experienced a time in your life where you didn’t have anyone to ask for help? You were out of resources? It is absolute panic when it comes to your children, as I am sure many of you can relate to. What about…have you ever paid it forward in the drive through to a stranger just because? Isn't it a fantastic feeling to drive away knowing you did something kind. We are all human. We all need each other. We make a difference by buying a coffee we make that person's day! I have a challenge for you, if you give up one morning coffee, or one “extra” in your life you could help make a difference in a huge way for a little girl who is 10 years old and found out she has a tumor. She's worth it! Let me tell you Cheyenne's story…

I met this amazing family when I started working as a property manager. At first I was so afraid to take that next step in my life. Enter Jaclyn Cambpell; my Regional Manager said "she’s great she will help with anything!". Indeed he was right. This woman helped train me and give me the confidence I needed to step into my new role. I can’t stress enough how great of a person she is. She will drive to me whenever I need her. Video call me to walk me through a problem. She is just the kind of woman you want on your side if you know what I mean. The ride or die lady, the stay after hours off the clock because it needs done kind of lady. At work, at home, and friendship, Jaclyn's been my gal.

I had the opportunity to meet her children; Mavrick (12 years old) and Cheyenne (10 years old) who are bundles of young energy. Mavrick is a kind soul. He loves to draw and is very talented. He loves animals. He and Cheyenne are inseparable. Cheyenne is a lot like her Momma- she’s outgoing, bubbly, creative, she has a soft sweet side, she leaves colored pictures on your desk and asks "can please make a label with my friend's name on it to surprise her tomorrow at school?" Cheyenne is one kind and unique little girl. The kind who is just ornery enough to make you laugh at her spunk, but she always listens and respects her mother.

Jaclyn and her fiancé Brandon Frank, who is an over the road truck driver, are amazing parents to these little ones. Unfortunately in January Dr.’s discovered a firm lump under Cheyenne’s chin that is visible when you look at her. They had to wait 8 worrisome weeks to make sure she didn’t develop any signs of being sick, but they didn’t know what it was. She had an ultrasound in June that showed the lump is actually a tumor under her tongue. It is pressing onto her airway and deviating her tongue. The nerves from the airway and her tongue surrounding the tumor are all connected. Cheyenne needs a complicated surgery in order to remove it. They have been to multiple specialists since discovering it and unfortunately many, including Iowa city, and University of Chicago did not accept their insurance. Some just couldn’t perform that kind of procedure.

Finally Lurie’s Children’s Hospital, who thankfully does accept their insurance, was willing to do it. However, the surgeon is very concerned about performing the surgery. He was honest with them and stated that he does not feel that he has the adequate resources available to perform this surgery due to the nerve function involved, and would rather Cheyenne have a team of surgeons during surgery to observe the nerve functions and responses. At this point though, it seems that it is the only option as Chicago and the other children’s hospitals were not accepting their insurance. The surgeon said after the procedure she will not be able to attend school for at least two weeks. She will have a drainage tube in her neck and there is a possibility that the surgery could affect her breathing, tongue function, and swallowing.

Jaclyn and Brandon are very thankful for his honesty but they are nervously going to pre-op appointments without answers to all of their concerns about their little girl. The only thing they can do is pray and try to stay positive for their children.

This is a great family who would give the shirt off their back for anyone. They have had to take off work and spent their savings traveling to different doctors in other cities, and pre-op appointments. They will do anything for the health and happiness of Cheyenne and Mavrick are praying for a miracle to help Cheyenne and get their family some peace.

This is why I am asking you… will you please give up one “extra” for my friend Cheyenne?

Our promise to you is: We will pay it forward whenever we are able to.

Blessings and Gratitude to you,

Jessica, friend of the family