On January 30th, 2026, my world changed when my four-year-old daughter, Valerie Gibson, was diagnosed with stage 4 rhabdomyosarcoma. What began as a concern quickly became a nightmare as we learned the cancer had started in her bladder and already spread to her lungs and lymph nodes. Valerie is now undergoing intensive chemotherapy, which has left her immune compromised and unable to attend daycare or school. Every fever means at least 48 hours in the hospital, and the side effects have been incredibly hard on her young body and spirit.

As her mom, I am doing everything I can to care for Valerie and her two sisters—her twin and her six-year-old sibling. I have to take unpaid leave from work to make it to Valerie’s appointments, treatments, and hospital stays. While she does have insurance, the out-of-pocket costs are significant, and her treatment is expected to last about a year. Val is undergoing weekly treatments at Helen Devos in Grand Rapids. We just had our first big trip to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN for a surgical consultation. Valerie has a surgery scheduled mid March to preserve her ovarian tissue, as there is a good chance the treatment will affect her fertility. If her current treatment does not work, we may need to look into alternate out of network options in the future.

Valerie is such a fighter—she’s incredibly strong-willed and stubborn at times, and we have high hopes that her determination will help her beat this. This money will help cover medical expenses, travel costs, the time I miss from work and anything that can make Valerie more comfortable during this incredibly stressful time. The emotional and financial toll is overwhelming, but I am so grateful for any support—whether it’s a donation, your time, or your prayers. Please, no one feel obligated to give, but if you can, my girls and I would be forever grateful. Your kindness and prayers mean the world to us as we fight for Valerie’s health and happiness.