Treatment for Princess Ila

Hi, my name is Amber and I am fundraising for my precious niece, Ila, who found out days before her 10th birthday that she has cancer. On Wednesday, April 12, 2023 Ila was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma. In children, Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare cancer but is the most common type of soft tissue sarcoma. She has a tumor in the back of her throat and her neck surrounding the tonsils, pushing everything out making her have obstruction when breathing. She has been in the hospital almost two weeks now and there have been rough days but she is a trooper.

I want to share a post from my brother.

“We recently received the kind of news that no parent could ever expect or ever should have to deal with. My daughter Ila was diagnosed with cancer.

Its been so hard on all of us, but we have been so strong together as a family. Not just the four of us either but everyone has really come together and has been so supportive in helping us through.

First I wanted to say thank you to my amazing sister Amber Green. She was the first person I told the news to when we found out and shes been there for us through all of this. She organized a fundraiser to help us financially and she has done everything she can to support us emotionally too. I know we wouldn't be able to do this without you, Amby.

To my wife, Rachel Baierl Nolte: I know how difficult this has been on you. I know its still so unreal for both of us. I know you feel like I am the strong one through all this but I can only be as strong as I've been because I have such an strong, supportive and loving partner. Together me and you will get our girl through this. Who knew where we would be from where we were when we met, but I could never imagine my life without you. We will all come out of this stronger as a family. I love you and I will always be there with you to watch our kids grow and thrive.

To my son, Zane: I am so proud of you, buddy. You haven't let this get you down or change what a special guy you are. Not many 6 year olds could see their sister so sick and not cry or be scared. Even some grown ups couldn't be as tough as you've been for your sister. Ila needs her brother more than ever and you have been there to keep her spirits up. Her face brightens up every time she sees you and when you talk on the phone. You are just the most amazing kid that any parent could ask for and I love you so very much.

And finally to my daughter, Ila: Cancer doesn't stand a chance against the bravest and toughest girl that I have ever met. I have got to be the luckiest dad in the whole world. You have helped me be a better person from the moment you were born and every day since. I am so sorry that something so unfair has happened to you. A girl as sweet and so full of love as you should never have to go through anything like this but I know if anyone can beat this, you can. I have no doubt in my mind that you'll see the other side of this and come out even stronger than before. I couldn't be prouder to be your dad and I love you so very very much.

I am just so humbled by how supportive everyone has been through all of this. If anyone is interested I will post the link for the fundraiser thats been set up. For those of you that have donated, words can't describe how grateful my family and I are to you. Also those of you that have offered kind words, thank you from the bottom of our hearts as well. I  know that Ila can feel all the love from all of you and each day is one step closer to beating this thing.”

 I love what my brother shared in this post. Not the news of cancer, but the immediate response of any parent when they hear this news. It is easy to be defeated but this family said not us we need to be strong for Ila. It will be a long journey for Ila. She has officially started chemotherapy and that will be followed by many more test and treatments as they continue to monitor her progress. Ila is my hero in all the stories I have heard from my family Ila is staying true to herself and keeping her spirits high. Not many adults, let alone children could be this mature and graceful with this kind of news. We will continue to post updates here about Ilas success stories and help we need but know that those who have donated money or shared Ila’s story we are grateful and can keep fighting this battle. 

Please feel free to post encouraging words on her page here. If you would like to send cards or messages please reach out to me. If you are posting on social media please feel free to tag myself or my family to help continue to spread the word. 

Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts.