Makayla was recently diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), a form of blood cancer, which came as quite a shock and turned things up-side-down and every which way overnight for her and her friends and family. Afterall, nobody thinks they're going to be diagnosed with cancer in their 20s.

Makayla is a single parent and puts every ounce of herself into raising her smart, caring, beautiful daughter, always putting her first. This compounds the weight of this new diagnosis because now Makayla has to put herself first for a while, so she can continue to be the dedicated mom she is.

AML treatment is intense and immediate. Makayla is currently undergoing aggressive chemotherapy during an extended hospital stay, which will be followed by months of recovery and monitoring. For the initial treatment, she was advised to expect a 30 day hospital stay, with chemo daily the first half of the stay. The oncology team is hopeful that Makayla can come through this.

Perhaps you can imagine, or you actually have experience, with how costly even just one night's stay at a hospital can be. The goal for this fundraiser may seem ambitious and a shock, however, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society estimates that the average cost of initial treatment for AML is close to $200,000. That figure does not include things like childcare, travel expenses, personal care items, a wig to feel like yourself again, or any of the other monthly bills that are due. Makayla's return to work date is unknown at this time. If you are able to give, please do. Every dollar brings a little peace of mind during a time filled with uncertainty.