Zaiya was diagnosed with leukemia on April 13, 2023. In the weeks leading up to her diagnosis, her family noticed that she wasn’t quite herself. She had less energy, wanted to be held more often, and took longer naps than usual. She would sit on the floor to play instead of running around, and her skin had taken on a yellow, washed-out tone. Her parents trusted their instincts and sought answers, and thankfully, they got her to the hospital just in time. Her hemoglobin was dangerously low at a level of two and still dropping.
Since her diagnosis, Zaiya has undergone numerous treatments including lumbar punctures, IV chemotherapy, oral chemo daily, physical therapy, and surgery to place her port. In the beginning, there were many hospital stays and isolating days at home due to low counts or fevers. At the same time, her family was adjusting to life with a six-month-old baby. Zaiya’s mom had to leave work, and finances became a challenge. Their world shrank down to hospital rooms and waiting areas. But through it all, Zaiya has grown stronger each day.
This journey came just months after the family lost an uncle to cancer. The back-to-back trauma sent everyone into shock. It was a heartbreaking and emotional time, and yet their close-knit family banded together with love and support. They missed holidays and family gatherings, and Zaiya’s mom carried the weight of coordinating care and doing her best to soften the difficult moments. Though the emotional recovery is ongoing, their hearts are full of gratitude. Zaiya is alive, thriving, and surrounded by love.
Zaiya is truly one of a kind. She is a natural friend to everyone she meets. On the playground, she’ll ask, “I wonder what new friends I’ll make today?” She has a gift for spotting kids who are alone and bringing them into the fun. She’s smart, curious, and welcoming, with a vibrant personality that shines everywhere she goes. Zaiya loves superheroes like the X-Men and enjoys acting out scenes from Moana and Frozen. She loves playing outside, dancing for no reason, and soon she’ll be learning to play soccer. She’s also a loving big sister, even when her little brother gets into her toys.
Her mom says this journey would have looked very different if Zaiya weren’t the kind, compassionate, curious, and social child she is. Her strength and spirit inspire everyone around her. She’s not just surviving, she’s helping others find the courage to keep going too.
Lexie is a vibrant and outspoken four-year-old who was diagnosed with B-cell ALL in September. Her family began to worry when she started having pain in her right leg that caused her to limp. She also complained of chest pain when being carried or buckled into her car seat. Though she appeared pale and her family made multiple ER and urgent care visits, they were initially told nothing was wrong. Some said it was simply flat feet causing the discomfort. But her mom’s gut knew better, and another ER visit finally confirmed the diagnosis that changed everything.
Since then, Lexie has undergone numerous lumbar punctures with chemotherapy in her spine. She has been on steroids, and at one point lost the strength to even walk. She is currently finishing up Blina. Through it all, her family has faced immense challenges, especially financial ones. Her father was recently terminated from his job due to the time needed to care for Lexie and attend her appointments. The lack of understanding from employers has only added to their emotional burden.
The diagnosis has rocked their world. Family members have drifted away, and their older boys are navigating the emotional toll of watching their sister go through so much. Anxiety, anger, and depression have become part of daily life for them. Lexie’s mom and dad are doing their best to stay hopeful, but the journey has been incredibly hard. They never imagined their dramatic, spunky, diva of a daughter would be fighting to live a normal life again. And while things may never return to what they once were, they are taking it one day at a time — sometimes just one hour at a time.
Lexie lights up every room she enters. She loves Rapunzel and Pascal, and is currently obsessed with Bluey, labubus, and Mini Brands — especially anything mini. She adores animals, loves to play and dance, and can always count on Dad to spin her around or on her brothers to act silly just to see her laugh.
Her family says Lexie has taught them one of life’s greatest lessons, that it’s okay to fall, as long as you get back up and try again. They are hoping for family images that capture their reality, imperfect but filled with a love stronger than anything they could have ever imagined.
Alivia was diagnosed with leukemia on December 5, 2025. Her journey began when her family noticed she had been limping for about a month. After an orthopedic workup came back normal, they ran labs to look for infection and instead found blasts, leading to her diagnosis.
Since then, Alivia has had several lumbar punctures and had a port placed to begin chemotherapy. The biggest change for her family has been the stress and fear that comes with watching a child go through treatment. Alivia has an identical twin, Amelia, and their bond has shifted during this time. Alivia often does not feel like playing the way she used to, and Amelia has started turning to their other siblings for connection and comfort.
Alivia absolutely loves music, especially Miss Rachel. Swinging brings her joy, and she thrives on social interactions with her big family and friends. She is affectionate, loving, and full of empathy, always quick to offer a hug or comfort when she senses someone is feeling sad.
Alivia and Amelia are the youngest of ten children. Born with Down syndrome, they have been a tremendous blessing to their family. Despite the challenges, Alivia has shown so much strength as she begins treatment. Her family is hoping to capture this moment in time with their very first family photos. With their oldest daughter heading back to college in Ohio on January 5th, and before Alivia potentially loses her hair, they hope to create images that reflect the love and strength of their family just as they are today. Photos of Alivia and her twin would be especially meaningful too.
Chloe was diagnosed with leukemia on December 4, 2024. Her family first noticed something was wrong when her right forearm and cheeks became swollen. That visit led to a diagnosis that changed their world.
She has since undergone many treatments, including chemotherapy, lumbar punctures, biopsies, and daily medications at home. On top of that, her parents are caring for a newborn, which has made life feel extra full and often overwhelming. Right now, their energy is focused on Chloe’s health, leaving little room for anything else.
Even with everything she’s facing, Chloe is full of personality. She is bubbly and goofy, always bringing smiles to those around her. She loves building with magnatiles and enjoys watching Moana, Paw Patrol, and Buzz Lightyear on her quieter days.
Her family is hoping to finally have a few family photos taken. They’ve never had any done before, and capturing some images of just the girls would mean so much to them. These photos will be a reminder of their strength, their love, and the joy they hold onto every day.
Daniella was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) on February 17, 2023, just before her fourth birthday. She’s now almost six and is preparing to ring the bell, a moment her family has long awaited and dreamed of.
Her journey began when her family noticed a lump in her inner thigh. Since that day, Daniella has faced more than most kids her age. She’s had a port placed, undergone numerous lumbar punctures, received chemotherapy both in the clinic and at home, and spent many nights in the hospital. Through it all, she has shown incredible courage.
Her diagnosis changed her family’s life, making them more resilient and tightly bonded. They call her Daniella the Strong, a name she has more than earned.
Daniella is full of personality. She’s spunky, creative, and smart. She loves all things princess, enjoys crafts, and finds joy in the little things. Her smile and spirit have kept her family going, even during the hardest moments.
She is a true warrior, and her strength continues to inspire everyone who meets her.
Oakley was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in October 2022. Her journey began when her eyes started to swell and she developed cold symptoms that wouldn’t go away. Her behavior also changed noticeably, and it quickly became clear that something wasn’t right.
Since her diagnosis, Oakley has undergone port placement and is participating in a clinical trial for blinatumomab. Even with the challenges that treatment brings, Oakley continues to thrive without any current limitations.
Cancer has shifted her family’s perspective in a profound way. They now embrace each day together, finding joy in the little things and living life as fully as possible. The experience has brought them closer and made them appreciate every moment they share.
Oakley is a burst of energy and joy. She’s the silliest kid you could ever meet and a total social butterfly. She absolutely loves being outside catching bugs and lizards, but she also has a soft spot for sparkles and all things girly. Whether she’s adventuring in the backyard or twirling in a princess dress, Oakley is truly the best of both worlds.
Her story is a beautiful reminder of strength, joy, and the power of family.
