Zoey Hernandez Support Fight Against Leukemia

This fundraising page is in honor of my niece Zoey. This is the beginning of her journey in the words of her mother. She has spent more days in the hospital than at home fighting for her life since her diagnosis. No child should endure this type of pain and struggle, especially during their first years of life.. one diagnosis after the next, their family is trying to keep positive and stay strong for her. From the hospital stays, travel to and from the hospital/ doctor visits, making her feel comfortable and safe while they run on low energy and take care of her older brother- it is a full time job to say the least. Thank you for reading and please share! (Ariana E.T.)

In the second week of April 2024, Zoey was showing signs of what looked like an allergic reaction. It started with puffy eyes and irritability. Within the next week it would transform into puffiness of her face and head. The morning of April 10 she woke up in her worst condition, she was lethargic and showing signs of a fast heart rate. She was squeezed into her pediatrician's office and less than an hour later she was rushed to the USC Arcadia hospital due to all her abnormalities. After some blood tests and a chest x-ray, they found pneumonia and alarming blood results that pointed to leukemia.."possible leukemia."

Then comes the second transport- this time to the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. That night, it was confirmed USC findings had been correct. The next day, she was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. With no time to process, the doctors were already discussing chemotherapy and treatments.. April 12th she started chemo and was hospitalized for her stay. At 21 months old she would have started all her medication-crushed and mixed to help with the taste, and start feeling all the full effects of a weakened immune system. Fever spikes, weekly infusions, a weekly lumbar puncture, over 6 blood transfusions, and 3 bone marrow biopsies. She has had an NG tube placed to help with medication and feedings, and now a port for easier access to her blood.

She turned 2 years old on July 7th all while her body was going through the most intense process she will probably ever feel in her life. Through all this she has managed to keep a smile on her face, keep the family and her brother laughing with her quirkiness, and fight the toughest fight she has ever faced. Being a parent is a tough job, but comes with many rewards. We never thought this journey would be a part of our lives, but we know the experience has taught us to appreciate what we have and live life to the fullest. Thank you to all those who are fighting alongside the cancer warriors and survivors.

-Leanna Espinoza (Zoey's mom)