Standing Strong in Faith Through Deja’s Treatment

We want to begin by saying thank you. Every message, prayer, share, and act of kindness has been deeply appreciated and felt.

Here is a real-time update:

Deja is still in the earliest and most demanding phase of treatment for Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL). She is currently receiving arsenic trioxide therapy, a stage known to be intense and closely monitored as the body responds to treatment.

She is experiencing significant fatigue, weakness, and ongoing complications that require constant medical oversight, frequent labs, medications, transfusions, and continued hospitalization. These challenges are expected during this phase as her body works through healing.

The focus right now is on rest, steady care, and allowing her body the time it needs to respond. We remain grounded in faith, covered in prayer, and confident in God’s presence through every step of this journey.

As Deja remains unable to work during treatment, this fundraiser continues to support her through this season while she focuses fully on healing.

With gratitude,

Thank you for standing with us.

love always

Denett’e

Writing this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, because Deja is someone I’ve always known as strong, kind, and endlessly supportive of others. She is the person who shows up, who listens, and who gives without hesitation. She’s the one people lean on in difficult moments. Now, she’s the one who needs support.

Before being admitted to the hospital on December 26th, Deja had been suffering from a severe migraine for four weeks. After multiple blood transfusions, extensive testing, scans, and a bone marrow biopsy, doctors determined that Deja has Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL)—a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer that requires immediate and intensive treatment. APL affects the body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells and can cause serious, life-threatening complications if not treated quickly.

Because of the urgency of this diagnosis, Deja’s care began immediately and requires highly specialized treatment. She is undergoing aggressive chemotherapy and targeted therapies, frequent blood transfusions, and constant monitoring of her blood counts and organ function. APL also affects the body’s ability to clot properly, making close observation essential to prevent severe bleeding or infections. Deja’s treatment involves long hospital stays, daily lab work, regular imaging, and around-the-clock medical supervision. The side effects, extreme fatigue, pain, nausea, weakened immunity, and emotional strain, make even the simplest daily tasks overwhelming.

Teaching is not just Deja’s career; it is her passion and purpose. She is devoted to her students and currently teaches a moderate-to-severe middle school classroom, where she works tirelessly to support students with significant needs. Her students mean the world to her, and returning to the classroom is one of her greatest motivations during this fight. Recovery would allow Deja to get back to doing what she loves most: advocating for her students, creating a safe and supportive learning environment, and making a meaningful difference in their lives.

Beyond the physical toll, this diagnosis has completely turned life upside down emotionally, mentally, and financially. Treatment and recovery are not short-term; they span months and require frequent hospital visits, follow-up testing, and strict precautions to protect Deja’s health. During this time, she is unable to return to normal work or daily routines.

Medical bills, extended time away from work, transportation to and from the hospital, and basic living expenses continue to add up. No one should have to worry about how they will afford necessities while fighting for their life. This GoFundMe was created to help ease that burden so Deja can focus on what matters most: healing, resting, and getting stronger. Every donation, no matter the size, will help cover medical costs, essential living expenses, and the many unexpected challenges the months ahead may bring.

Although we have a long road ahead, doctors have shared how serious the coming weeks may be. We are taking things one day at a time and holding on to hope. At this time, we kindly ask that calls, texts, and questions be directed to family so we can focus our energy on supporting Deja. This diagnosis was sudden and unimaginable for our family, but we are standing together and will be by Deja’s side every step of the way.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, generosity, prayers, and support. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this page and keeping Deja and our family in your thoughts and prayers.

With gratitude and hope,

Izabella