CRAFTED ON BEHALF OF QUAHNA AND MASON by Quahna’s sister Anemone:
Our mother and grandmothers raised us as girls from a long line of fierce matriarchs to be warriors. Across the many eras of life, guided by their teachings and shielded by their prayers—protected by the forces of nature they carried within themselves—we were taught how to endure.
Yet even the strongest among us will eventually face moments of adversity that shake us.
On the afternoon of Tuesday, March 10th, 2026, my sister and her partner, and our whole family felt that quake when a trip to the emergency room with our ailing little girl, Iylah Nonalyse, whose bright spirit and joyful nature light up every room she enters, resulted in an urgent referral to Hasbro Children’s Hospital. By the end of that evening, the diagnosis had arrived:
B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia/Acute Lymphoid Leukemia
In the hours since hearing those words, our family has stepped into a chapter none of us could have imagined. When one thinks of childhood cancer, it makes us appreciate our own little circles that much more. Hug our babies just a little tighter…never expecting it to reach its cruel cold grip and touch our own lives. For us, it has, and here we are. Iylah now faces a long road of chemotherapy, procedures, and treatment expected to span 18–24 months, some of which have already been started most aggressively. The first phase alone will require an extended hospital stay as her care team begins the work of helping her small body fight this disease. In many ways, it means that Iylah—still so young—must become a little warrior far earlier in life than anyone would ever wish.
For those who know my sister and her partner, you know their lives have always been rooted in care for others. They have built a home rooted in steadiness, compassion, and a quiet commitment to caring for those around them. Now their entire focus must turn to the healing of their daughter.
The months ahead will bring long hospital stays, travel for treatment, time away from work, and the many unforeseen expenses that accompany extended pediatric care. Our hope with this fundraiser is to help ease those burdens so that Iylah’s parents can remain fully present with her throughout every step of treatment.
If you are able to contribute, your support will go directly toward helping this family manage medical and living expenses during the months ahead. If giving is not possible, sharing Iylah’s story and keeping her in your thoughts and prayers means more than we can say.
Our family believes deeply in the strength of community and in the quiet power of people coming together in life’s hardest moments. Thank you for standing with Iylah and surrounding her with the support that will help carry her forward.
Every act of kindness helps lighten the road ahead for this little warrior and her family.
With deep gratitude,
The family of Iylah Nonalyse Bighorse - Looks at Eagle