Andrew, age 17

Andrew just turned 17 years old and he has cerebral palsy and an autoimmune disorder. He has fought for a better quality of life since he was born. Andrew is extremely sensitive to chemicals and other environmental toxins so he has been homeschooled since 7th grade. Andrew’s mother, Kellie, had to leave work when he was about one years old to care for him full time and take him to weekly medical and therapy appointments. None of the medical treatments that seem to work best for Andrew are covered by insurance causing mom and dad to have to pay out of pocket regularly.

Zoie, age 6

At two years old, Zoie was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Rett Syndrome, which is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects the way the brain develops. Just two months ago, Zoie was hospitalized for a bad reaction to medication. This hospital visit turned into a 45-day hospital stay, two surgeries and a long road to recovery. The family is very unsure of what the future holds, but they are so grateful for support as they navigate a new normal.

Mahkai, age 14

At the age of 12, Mahkai was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called ALK Positive CNS Histiocytosis in March 2022 after being hospitalized and having to undergo a craniotomy after lesions were found on his brain & spine. He spent over a year in treatment. He is now 14 and has responded well to treatment. Although he is not considered in remission quite yet, he is under observation and things are looking good. We are a family of 5 now, as his aunt moved in with her daughter to help me as a single mom of 2 boys who was navigating this cancer journey solo. We appreciate all your love and support.

McKenzie, age 10

McKenzie was born with Di George II Syndrome, which is a genetic condition that can affect many parts of your body and causes heart abnormalities, an impaired immune system and developmental delays. The family was told there were only an estimated 50 others with this diagnosis. With little information on the diagnosis, they aren’t sure of his life expectancy and were told that they were lucky he’s made it as far as he has. He is nonverbal, crawls, but doesn’t walk, he has a g-tube and eats nothing by mouth, he has seizures that can become life threatening, but McKenzie is now ten years old and his family is so grateful for every moment. Regardless of all the medical complications he is living his best life. They are a family of four consisting of mom, dad and his older brother Urijah.

Anthony, age 14

Anthony was diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on August 9th, 2021 right before the start of his 7th grade school year, which is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. After completing chemotherapy and radiation, Anthony has been in remission since December 2021. More recently, the family has been having issues with his medical insurance so they are hoping to get it resolved as soon as possible to get him in for his scans to make sure he is still in remission.

Kayia, age 16

Kaiya was diagnosed with germ cell tumor in 2021. She’s a positive young lady with a smile that lights up the room. Her love for sports, family, friends and continues to keep her spiritual faith strong. The family currently lives in Northern Arizona and has to commute 5-6 hours one way to medical appointments. Mom, Desaray, is currently not working to support Kaiya and her medical needs. Kaiya has four sisters and has always loved the Suns, football and baseball. Kaiya loves being outside and with her family and friends.

Benjamin, age 12

At the age of seven, Benjamin had a life-saving liver transplant and at the age of 11, he was diagnosed with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in Nov 2022, which is a group of potentially life-threatening conditions that affect patients who have had an organ transplant. The family works to care for Benjamin and his weakened immune system daily.

Haley

Haley was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension and was waiting for a heart and double lung transplant since she was five years old.

She went in for the transplants and due to severe complications, her body wasn’t able to recover. Haley’s mom and sister are now working to put the pieces of their lives back together.