Support Londyn's Fight Against Leukemia

We are friends of Jeffery and Angela Knight, whose daughter, Londyn, is in the fight of her life against leukemia. We have established this GoFundMe account in an effort to help with their monthly expenses as they stand by her side and transition to a trial for further treatment outside of Arkansas.

Time stood still, and the world as I knew it ended on December 8th, 2023. This is the day that my daughter, Londyn - my 15-year-old baby girl - was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

Trained as a nurse, I knew the statistics and prognosis, which painted a grim picture at best. As her mother, I made a promise to myself and to Londyn that I would fight with every fiber of my being - that we would beat the odds! My daughter has been amazing through this journey. The bravery, dedication, determination, and fight she has displayed have left me breathless, in awe, and beaming with pride.

Let me tell you our story.

During the first week of December 2023, we had been fighting what was believed to be a respiratory virus and ear infection. After a week of antibiotics and no real improvement, labs were obtained and were dramatically abnormal. We were immediately directed to the emergency department at Arkansas Children's Hospital (ACH). After their evaluation and workup, Londyn was diagnosed with AML and essentially given a death sentence. ACH, world-renowned, has been amazing, and I'm so thankful they're in our "backyard."

She was admitted to the hospital, and more testing was obtained. It was essential that her baseline organ functions were established and that the progression of her leukemia was determined. I watched as my daughter had every inch of her precious body tested. She underwent painful procedures - bone marrow biopsies (BMB), lumbar punctures, countless lab draws - day after day after day. Chemotherapy was started on December 14th, six days after the initial diagnosis. She did amazing!!!! She crushed each step with a determination that left me speechless. She became my hero.

Through the chemotherapy journey, however, she battled severe low heart rates, fever, skin infections, skin breakdown, nausea, and vomiting. She was pumped full of fluids, blood products, and antibiotics. She learned how to flourish in a "hospital school" because - as unfair as this path was - this was her new normal. We celebrated Christmas in a hospital room, which she did decorate beautifully!!

Hair loss came.

Even though I knew my child had cancer, she had not looked like a child with cancer. Not until now. This was a hard piece of the journey to digest. But my warrior child did not passively sit back and wait.

Nope!!!

She took her power back when she decided hair loss would be on HER terms.

We shaved her head!!!

She tried all the wigs and enjoyed having a new look each day!!!

She marched along this path with a grace I'd never before witnessed from another human in all my life.

A bone marrow biopsy was repeated in January 2024, which showed that the chemotherapy wasn't working as well as the oncology team had hoped. Consequently, the decision was made to kick up the intensity of the chemo. My poor baby. We also began the process of finding a bone marrow match for Londyn's anticipated transplant. On Valentine's Day, a perfect match was found! It's one of God's miracles, for sure!!!

It was discovered that Londyn had a chromosomal anomaly - Monosomy 7 - which is an anomaly people are born with, passed genetically. This anomaly is responsible for the development of her leukemia. This finding made the recovery from AML even more daunting and the prognosis even poorer. On March 9th, more devastating news came, as a second mutation, GATA 2, was discovered. This specific mutation causes chemotherapy to not be effective for long-term remission. The doctors said, "The odds of AML with these mutations are that of winning the lottery twice." What a lottery.

Since the best prognosis for long-term remission was with a bone marrow transplant, we steamed ahead full force. Her chemotherapy was adjusted, and on April 4th, her repeat bone marrow biopsy showed remission. This was a critical and required step on the path of progression toward transplant.

On May 9th, she underwent her bone marrow transplant. You would have thought it was just another day in the life of a 15-year-old girl. She handled it like a champ!!! Everything went as smooth as silk.

Afterward, we were fortunate to be granted housing in the Ronald McDonald House, as we were required to be within a short distance to the hospital and Londyn's care team.

We waited.

We prayed.

We talked.

We lived.

We waited more.

On June 11th, our prayers were answered!!!! The day we'd hoped and prayed and wept for had come. The repeat bone marrow biopsy showed no leukemia cells, as well as 100% donor cells. We had kicked cancer's rear!!!! It was our miracle, our precious, hard-fought miracle. We held tightly to our win!

Then, earth-shattering news came again on July 14th, when a repeat BMB showed 94% donor cells - an ominous finding. Medications were again adjusted, and we waited again. On July 25th, it was confirmed she had failed bone marrow transplant, and the leukemia had returned.

Although ACH had partnered with St. Jude's since the beginning of Londyn's treatment, the latest developments warranted further input. Her case was presented to the St. Jude's conference board in an effort to determine a more robust and effective treatment plan. Again, her chemotherapy medications were adjusted, and the intensity was increased.

In August, she developed blood clots, which compromised her circulation, and she required blood thinners. Blood thinners come with risks for everyone, but in individuals undergoing chemotherapy, with severely reduced blood counts, these medications carry even greater risks. Between the intense chemotherapy, the dangerously low blood counts, and the required blood thinners, Londyn began to vomit blood. She developed a blood infection and required potent antibiotics. She was as sick as I had ever seen my child. It was terrifying - I felt helpless.

Have I mentioned that Londyn is a determined warrior!!!

She slowly began to improve, and her chemotherapy has continued as we attempt to again reach remission and try for an additional bone marrow transplant.

As of October 23rd, the doctors have determined that, in preliminary, Londyn qualifies for two trials. One at St. Jude's, for CAR-T cell therapy, and one at Children's in Cincinnati, for TK cell therapy. They are leaning toward TK cell therapy. The final decision is pending.

I will continue to fight for my child and her healing. I will go wherever her best chances are projected.

I am on FMLA so that I can stand by my daughter during the greatest battle of her life. Her daddy, Jeffrey, continues to work; however, when we relocate for the trial, he will have to take time off to be with us as well.

Thankfully, God has richly blessed us, and we have been able to make ends meet financially over the last 11 months; however, we have reached the point where we humbly ask for some assistance. We have monthly medical, home, and car insurance premiums, utilities, travel, and food expenses we are asking for help with. Any amount that you could give would help in our fight.

Above all else, prayer is powerful, and we ask that you bombard Heaven on her behalf.

I believe Londyn is our miracle and that she will beat this thing once and for all. She has shown a determination that leaves me standing in absolute awe. She truly is my hero. My baby girl. My world.