<div><strong>“Written In Courage: A Mother’s Story”</strong>
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<div>(As told by her mom Trisha Hewitt)
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<div>My name is Trisha Hewitt, and I’m a single mother to two beautiful daughters Alexis (13) and Amaya (10). In June 2022, a routine cold swept through our home. While Alexis and I recovered quickly, Amaya's symptoms lingered. She began complaining of persistent chest pain, and my concern grew. I took her to a local walk-in clinic, worried that she may have developed pneumonia.
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<div>At the clinic, they ran several tests, including an EKG. When the results came in, we were told the EKG looked abnormal and were instructed to go immediately to the hospital’s emergency department. At the ER, they repeated the EKG and ran additional bloodwork. After several hours, the doctors reassured me everything looked normal and sent us home to rest.
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<div>The next day, while I was at work, Amaya’s pediatrician called. They asked me to bring her in that same day, without giving many details. When we arrived, they did a brief exam and then asked Amaya to go color with the front desk staff. That’s when I knew something was wrong. My gut dropped. I remember thinking, could bloodwork detect cancer? Moments later, my fears were confirmed.
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<div>They had found “blasts” in Amaya’s blood, an early indicator of leukemia. We were told to head straight to a children’s hospital in Hartford, CT, about an hour away. They said we’d need more tests and to prepare for a stay that could last two weeks to a month.
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<div>Everything happened so fast. I didn’t have time to process anything. I rushed home, packed our bags without knowing what we’d need, and made arrangements for Alexis and our dog. I was terrified but I had to stay strong for my daughters.
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<div>We ended up staying at the hospital for two weeks. Amaya underwent a bone marrow biopsy early on, and we waited anxiously for the results. Despite the uncertainty, the playroom and kind-hearted volunteers brought her comfort and moments of joy. They helped her feel like a kid again, even for a little while.
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<div>A few days into our stay, two doctors pulled me into a private room to give the official diagnosis. They were cold and clinical as they delivered the worst news of my life: Amaya had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Her treatment plan would involve multiple rounds of intensive chemotherapy lasting between two and three years.
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<div>I was crushed but I couldn’t let it show. I had to hold myself together for Amaya. I didn’t want to scare her, and I knew I’d soon be facing a mountain of difficult decisions.
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<div>During that initial stay, Amaya had surgery to place a port catheter in her chest. This device would deliver chemo, medication, fluids, and blood as needed throughout her treatment. It was uncomfortable for her at first, but over time, it became part of her new “normal.” The port will remain until her treatment is complete, when it will be surgically removed.
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<div>Amaya received several rounds of strong chemo and began taking steroids. The steroids were awful; they made her irritable, emotional, constantly hungry, crampy, and bloated. It broke my heart, but I was grateful she hadn’t yet experienced nausea or hair loss.
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<div>What hurt even more was having to explain to my daughter that she could no longer do the things she loved: no dodgeball, no horseback riding, no sports, no recess. Anything that posed a risk to her chest was off-limits. I watched her face fall as she realized she couldn’t just be a normal kid for now.
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<div>After her hospital stay, Amaya began outpatient treatments at the same children’s hospital. We made long, frequent trips often several times a week for her chemo sessions. This meant endless hours on the road, cafeteria meals, daily parking fees, and the constant cost of gas.
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<div>I had to leave my job to care for her full time. I couldn’t and wouldn’t leave her to face this battle alone. She needed blood and platelet transfusions often, and every day brought new challenges.
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<div>It was overwhelming. Financially, emotionally, mentally. But through it all, Amaya showed strength beyond her years.
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<div>This journey has tested every part of us, but we remain hopeful. Amaya is a warrior. Her spirit, resilience, and courage continue to inspire everyone around her. We’re taking this battle one day at a time, surrounded by love, support, and the hope for healing.
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<div>We are continuing this journey with strength, hope, and an incredible team of doctors by our side. My girls and I are holding onto the day we’ll hear the words we've all been waiting for that Amaya is cancer free. With Leukemia, treatment takes 2.5 to 3 years, we cling to hope, lean on faith, and hold each other close through the hardest days. Until that moment comes, we fight with everything we have!
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<div>Thank you for taking the time to read her story.
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<div>Gratitude
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<div>Trish Hewitt
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<div>A Fun Note About the Girls- (Trish didn’t include her favorites but this story wouldn’t be possible without her)
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<div>While Amaya's journey is tough, her spirit shines through in everything she loves.
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<div>Amaya is full of personality, she loves to sing, dance, play with makeup, and loves slime. She’s a ROBLOX queen, and if you ask her who she dreams of meeting, she’ll tell you: Amyy Woahh, her favorite YouTuber, and pop star Sabrina Carpenter. Her dream destinations? Hawaii where she wants to swim with dolphins and see a real luau and Cape Cod for a peaceful beach day.
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<div>Her big sister, Alexis, is just as vibrant. She’s an artist at heart who loves makeup, horseback riding, and drawing amazing things. She’d be over the moon to meet Laufey, the singer-songwriter she admires, and of course Ryan Reynolds (because, who wouldn’t?).
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<div>Trish is one of the most humble, grounded individuals I’ve ever come across. Even without meeting her face to face, it’s clear through every message, every update, and every part of Amaya’s story just how strong and selfless she is. She’s the kind of woman who never asks for much, doesn’t play favorites, and quietly carries more than most people ever will.
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<div>(Hence the reason there is no “Trish favorites!)
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<div>She deserves the world, but she’d accept a quiet moment, a strong cup of coffee, and a little peace (or spa day) without ever asking for it.
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<div>She deserves the kind of support that makes her feel seen, celebrated, and cared for ~~ not just as a caregiver, but as a woman who has shown up every single day for her daughters.
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<div>These girls are more than their story; they're joy, energy, and creativity. Thank you for helping them hold on to the parts of childhood that cancer can’t take away.
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<div><strong>Understanding Her Journey: Notes, News and Next Steps</strong>
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<div>As someone who has remained closely connected to Amaya’s mom Trish, and with her full permission, I’ve been kept up to date through Trish or her medical team and the medical records that have been shared. Below, I will continue to provide updates, treatment phases and doctor insights to keep everyone informed on this journey.
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<div>4.21.25 (entry #1)
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<div>In the most recent days, I’ve begun receiving more detailed information from her team of physicians, which has helped me gain a fuller understanding of her diagnosis, treatment and the journey to a full remission. The most recent update was
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<div>After her diagnosis, Amaya’s treatment would be broken into five major phases, each one with its own intense physical and emotional toll:
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<div><br />
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<div>1. Induction
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<div>2. Consultation
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<div>3. Interim Maintenance
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<div>4. Delayed Intensification
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<div>5. Maintenance
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<div>The Maintenance phase, which lasts about a year and a half, is the longest and most crucial. This is the part of her journey where chemo works to “train” her body not to recreate leukemia cells in the bone marrow. It’s not just about getting cancer into remission it’s about keeping it from ever coming back.
</div>
<div>Each of these phases includes different types and combinations of chemotherapy, delivered at specific times, like mini phases within the bigger picture. Amaya’s body is put through a grueling cycle of medications, each designed to attack the cancer in a different way. Every stage is exhausting, but every dose is a step toward healing.
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<div>5.10.25 (entry #2)
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<div>Amaya's blood counts came back higher than expected, prompting her care team to adjust and increase her chemotherapy. As a result, she will repeat bloodwork during the week of May 12th to monitor how her body is responding to the change. If her counts remain elevated, they will consider switching to a different chemo regimen, which carries a risk of lowering her counts too much and impacting her negatively.
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<div>Organizer | Founder Strong for Amaya
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<div>Hello, I'm Alicia Chandler - a three-time cancer survivor, kidney donor, mother, and the driving force behind of Fempire, a business rooted in purpose, powered by connections, and driven by the mission to elevate business owners, empower women and help families in need.
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<div>“A Purpose in the Unexpected”
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<div>In October of 2023, I was contacted by an organization through a friend called Families in Need, to ask if I would be willing to support a family during the holiday season. I was matched with two families, one in California and one in Connecticut. Each came with a Christmas list, and if the family approved, their contact info would be shared.
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<div>I received both lists, but there was something about the family in Connecticut that immediately stood out. It wasn’t just a “good feeling” it was a pull. A sense that I was meant to connect with them.
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<div>That’s when I first learned about Amaya, a young girl battling a long-term illness. As I read through the details of her condition, I felt something shift in me. I knew I didn’t just want to help; I wanted to be a part of their lives for the long haul.
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<div>Amaya is 10 years old now and has a strength that’s difficult to put into words. Despite everything she endures ~~ endless appointments, poking, prodding she still carries a joy that radiates from her. Her older sister Lexi, now 13, has faced her own challenges, including ADD, PTSD and severe anxiety combined with panic attacks. She’s had to process her sister’s illness while also witnessing her mother go through incredibly painful and traumatic experiences.
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<div>Together, these girls are a powerful force, resilient, compassionate, and brave.
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<div>Before the holidays in 2023, I began communicating with their mom, Trish. We talked about the girls ~~ their favorites, their personalities, what made them laugh, and even her own needs and wants. Our conversations became frequent, and I found so much joy in putting together thoughtful packages for them. I might have been more excited for them to open their gifts than they were. I just wanted them to feel seen, valued, and loved.
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<div>At that point, they didn’t really know me. I imagine there was hesitation wondering if I’d follow through, if I’d send something meaningful or just the basics. But as I got to know Trish, I saw how genuine and grateful they all were. They’ve never expected anything and always respond with so much warmth and appreciation.
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<div>After the holidays, we stayed in touch. What started as simple check-ins turned into a real friendship. My husband and I began doing small things for them, sending dinner, covering a movie night, or surprising them with a sweet treat. Anything to bring a little joy or make a tough day feel lighter.
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<div>Over time, I learned more about what Trish was going through. She’s been on unpaid leave from work for over a year. She doesn’t receive child support and only has limited assistance from the state. A single mother doing everything she can for her daughters quietly sacrificing, stretching every dollar, and never once asking for anything.
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<div>Now, a year and a half later, we still haven’t spoken on the phone. We’ve never met in person. But I told my husband last Christmas that I was going to do something more, something bigger ~~ to support them. And now that dream is coming to life.
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<div>Our personal goal over the next 60 days is to dedicate countless hours, build meaningful relationships and connect with individuals, companies and community leaders who could become sponsors, and donors. To support their journey, we're hosting an impactful event
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<div>1. Power For a Purpose - Fitness 1440 Gilbert | June 7th
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<div>One of the most important things we can do is share her story, create her visual journey, show her strength and give them hope.
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<div>These events are about more than raising funds; they're about creating moments of joy, giving relief, and wrapping this family in love and support.
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<div>Even more special: in just a couple of weeks, I’ll finally get to meet Trish, Amaya, and Lexi in person. After all this time, the thought of hugging them, laughing together, and sharing real space feels surreal. I’ll also be hoping to join them at one of Amaya’s doctor’s appointments, meeting her medical team and getting a glimpse into the part of her world that she bravely faces every single day. It’s an honor I don’t take lightly.
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<div>I consider myself incredibly lucky to have crossed paths with this family. What started with a simple gesture has turned into one of the most meaningful relationships of my life and this is just the beginning.
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<div><br />
</div>
<div>Understanding Her Journey: Notes, News and Next Steps
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>As someone who has remained closely connected to Amaya’s mom Trish, and with her full permission, I’ve been kept up to date through Trish or her medical team and the medical records that have been shared. Below, I will continue to provide updates, treatment phases and doctor insights to keep everyone informed on this journey. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>4.21.25 
</div>
<div>In the most recent days, I’ve begun receiving more detailed information from her team of physicians, which has helped me gain a fuller understanding of her diagnosis, treatment and the journey to a full remission. The most recent update was 
</div>
<div>After her diagnosis, Amaya’s treatment would be broken into five major phases, each one with its own intense physical and emotional toll:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>1. Induction
</div>
<div>2. Consultation
</div>
<div>3. Interim Maintenance
</div>
<div>4. Delayed Intensification
</div>
<div>5. Maintenance
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>The Maintenance phase, which lasts about a year and a half, is the longest and most crucial. This is the part of her journey where chemo works to “train” her body not to recreate leukemia cells in the bone marrow. It’s not just about getting cancer into remission it’s about keeping it from ever coming back.
</div>
<div>Each of these phases includes different types and combinations of chemotherapy, delivered at specific times, like mini phases within the bigger picture. Amaya’s body is put through a grueling cycle of medications, each designed to attack the cancer in a different way. Every stage is exhausting, but every dose is a step toward healing.
</div>
<div><br />
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<div>4.28.25 
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<div>Doctors determined that due to Amayas counts were too low and the medical team has decided to increase her chemo dosage, starting with one specific chemo first. Trish had a conversation with the doctors regarding their upcoming travel plans to AZ and they informed that Amayas first increased dose will be on Friday, June 6th. As a result, their travel has been slightly adjusted, and they will now be travelling on the day of the event. I expressed concerns to Trish that Amaya would not feel good enough to travel but Trish reassured me that Amaya’s excitement and adrenaline for the trip would outweigh the possibility of her not feeling well.
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