In 2016 our oldest daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. She went through her treatments like a rockstar. In April 2018 she Finished her treatment, got the end of chemo song, a shirt that said “I beat cancer, what’s your superpower?” We even went on our Make-a Wish trip, and had a huge open house party. In November of 2018 she lost vision in her right eye. We ended up at a retinal specialist, who informed us she may have relapsed and we went right to our previous hospital. Our doctors confirmed that Anna had in fact relapsed. The leukemia broke through the blood brain barrier, and burst in her eye. Anna went through intensive chemotherapy and radiation. In March 5 of 2019 she received a bone marrow transplant from her sister, a perfect match! Which for a non- identical twin is less than 2% chance. In March of 2020 she was free of cancer and restrictions. Today Anna is alive because of the research of St. Jude! They share their findings freely! Which is a huge deal for kids and families! Pediatric cancer federal funding is 4% of all cancer funding. Only 4%! Kids should get a second chance at life, just like Anna! While Anna’s fight is hopefully over there are so many other children who are still fighting, just starting their fight, or sadly lost their fight. Our kids deserve better! Tomorrow my wife and I are doing a virtual 5k for St. Jude! Please donate what you can today, even 5 or 10 bucks! It adds up!
