In May, my sister-in-law Tiffany, faced a reality that no parent ever wants to face. Her daughter, Adalaya ("Addy"), was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Addy's treatment will include approximately 2 years of Chemotherapy and routine procedures/labs to ensure effectiveness of her treatment. Our family is asking for prayers to whatever deity you may believe in that remission is achieved and sustained without complication.

As many close to our family know, my brother Austin, is in the United States Army and is stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky where he is a member of the 101st Air Assault team. Their family was in the middle of their "big move" to base in May when they received this life changing news. Addy began her induction phase of treatment at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio and is now receiving her treatment at Vanderbilt (Children's) Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee.

While there have been many blessings through this process already, there is a lot of unknown, as well as a lot of logistical and financial challenges their family is beginning to face as they fight the fight with Addy. They are far from their support system and the base is located an hour from Nashville, Tennessee. Tiffany is not able to work so that she can care for and be by Addy's side as well as travel to Nashville frequently.

Addy has been a warrior already through her first stage - she handled induction without complications and her body responded well to treatment. As she is beginning her second phase, the realities of side effects and intensities of treatment are beginning to settle in. However, she is a strong, sassy, and resilient girl who continues to find humor throughout this journey!

Financially, my brother and sister-in-law are experiencing unplanned travel expenses and specific expenses related to ensuring that Addy has the resources she needs to emotionally and physically fight her fight against cancer. Along with that, Addy is beginning to lose her beautiful red hair that she and everyone loves so much. As she works through all the changes to her body while also not feeling well, Tiffany would like to be able to get Addy a beautiful wig that she can wear to lift her spirits and keep her confidence. Addy will be starting her new school on base at some point this upcoming school year and keeping her morale up as she navigates meeting new friends throughout this journey is a priority.

While asking for help is always a difficult thing to do, there are times in our lives where community can lift us up through love, support, and kindness. I'm asking for any donation (no amount too small) that our community can provide to help lift this beautiful family up while they all fight through this journey with Addy.