Support Shirl & Allen Younce in Their Time of Need.

This past Christmas, our family received heartbreaking news—my beloved Mawmaw (Shirl Younce) was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, which is a cancer that forms in the blood and bone marrow. What should have been a time of celebration quickly turned into a season of shock, fear, and uncertainty. She has always been the heart of our family—loving, selfless, and endlessly strong—and now she’s facing one of the biggest battles of her life. Mawmaw has been constantly in and out of WAKE FOREST BAPTIST CANCER CENTER multiple times for 2-week durations to receive Chemo through her port. In between those trips she has gone twice a week to Boone Hospital for routine cancer Maintenance.

On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, our beloved Mawmaw, Shirl Younce, was admitted to the ICU at Baptist Hospital after experiencing multiple seizures. She was later diagnosed with sepsis and placed on life support, where she remained for six days. Her condition was critical—her organs were failing, and doctors warned us to prepare for the worst, estimating she had only 2 to 4 days left.

But Mawmaw is truly a miracle.

On Easter Sunday, against all odds, she opened her eyes and began to stabilize with the help of medication. She was gradually weaned off the ventilator, and her condition began to improve. However, since being removed from life support, we’ve noticed significant changes in her memory and cognition. She no longer recognizes most of her family, although she occasionally remembers Pawpaw, Allen Younce. She often speaks in her sleep about events that aren’t happening—like running her insurance agency, even though she retired over 15 years ago.

Despite these concerning symptoms, all of her CT scans and MRIs have come back clear, leaving us with more questions than answers.

Through it all, Pawpaw hasn’t left her side—not even once. He’s been staying at the hospital since April 2, sleeping in a recliner every night, determined to be with her every step of the way until she can come home.

Mawmaw remains in the ICU with no clear timeline for her release, but we continue to hold on to hope and faith in her recovery.

We’re reaching out to our community, friends, and anyone who can help. Your donation, no matter how small, will go directly toward her medical expenses and help ease the financial burden during this difficult time.

Most importantly, your support means the world our family and most importantly to Mawmaw Shirl and Pawpaw Allen. I know this will help the worry in Mawmaw Shirl so she can focus all her strength to keep fighting.

Thank you for your kindness, prayers, and generosity.

Hayleigh Livingston