Hello, Friends and Family.

There isn't an easy way of sharing this story with all of you. Our sister, Poua Xiong, developed a rash last summer. She was itching and scratching all the time. Was it eczema? Maybe a food allergy? Or was it a skincare product? We all didn't think too much of it. We live in Minnesota and it could have been anything. Days turned to weeks and weeks turned to months. We still didn't think too much of it.

Poua is an elementary school teacher who brings an immense amount of joy, energy, and fun to all of her students, peers, and everyone she meets. She has a contagious laugh and works hard in all things. Before the 100th day of this school year, Poua developed chest pains and had difficulty breathing while preparing for her day to teach. What started as a visit to urgent care evolved into an unimaginable discovery. The doctor found a large tumor in her chest between her lungs and Poua was later diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, a rare type of cancer. We were made aware that the rash that began last summer was an initial sign of the cancer.

Poua will need to take a leave of absence from teaching so that she can focus on her health full-time. The decision to push "pause" was extremely difficult as she accrues medical expenses, depletes sick leave, maps out her living expenses and adjusts to her new normal. Poua is one of eleven children and as one of the eldest living in the home, she prizes herself on taking care of her parents, "the girls" (younger sisters) and the particular way she cleans.

Poua is a selfless person who is quick to help those in need, always putting herself last. We ask that you prayerfully consider supporting Poua on her journey against cancer to alleviate her financial burden and help her focus on this season of life.

Our hearts are heavy but our faith and trust remains in our God whose yoke is easy and whose burden is light.