In November 2024, Alora was diagnosed with cancer. Her parents first noticed something unusual when they saw a bright orb in her eye while taking photos. Trusting their instincts, they took her to the doctor, and within a day their world turned upside down. Alora began treatment immediately to save her life.
Because of her diagnosis, Alora lost her left eye. While this has made seeing a bit more difficult at times, she continues to adapt with incredible strength and positivity. Her family describes her as a true warrior who faces every challenge with a smile. She goes to monthly chemotherapy treatments and never loses her bright spirit, even on the hardest days.
The past few years have been especially difficult for Alora’s family. Before her diagnosis, they suffered the devastating loss of their oldest son in a tragic accident. Navigating grief while supporting Alora through treatment has been unimaginably hard, both emotionally and financially. Life has been put on hold in many ways, and her parents often have to spend extra time with her because of her medical needs. Still, through all of it, they do their best to stay strong for one another.
Alora, lovingly called “Lolo,” is a ray of sunshine. She is wild, funny, and full of energy. She loves riding the quad with her older brother and having dance parties that fill the house with laughter. Her joy is contagious, and her strength inspires everyone who knows her.
Her family says she is their biggest hero, a brave, silly, and loving little girl who never misses a chance to make someone smile.
In September 2024, eight-year-old Bukhbilig was diagnosed with T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. What began as a swollen cheek quickly became something much more serious when tests revealed childhood leukemia. From that moment, life changed completely for his family.
His treatment has been intense, including chemotherapy and steroids that have caused many side effects like fatigue, loss of appetite, and a weakened immune system. One of the most difficult moments came after he received PEG chemotherapy, when his cholesterol levels spiked dangerously high. He spent five days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit on an insulin drip and was unable to eat. It was a frightening time, but Bukhbilig faced it with incredible bravery and strength.
Even through these challenges, his bright spirit shines. He is incredibly creative and loves making balloon animals and flowers, which he often gives to his doctors and nurses to brighten their day. He also enjoys beadwork and once made a detailed lizard entirely out of beads. His kind heart and thoughtfulness are evident in everything he does.
The diagnosis has changed family life in many ways. Their days now revolve around hospital visits, lab work, and managing side effects. Because of his weakened immune system, Bukhbilig has missed school and spends a lot of time at home. Despite this, he continues to learn, create, and stay hopeful. The experience has brought his family closer together and reminded them to cherish every small moment.
Bukhbilig is funny, smart, and full of life. He has a natural talent for math, loves playing cards, and enjoys a good challenge. He laughs easily at silly jokes and loves spending time with his siblings. His creativity, humor, and gentle heart bring light to everyone around him.
What his family wants others to know most is how strong and resilient he is. Even though cancer has taken away some of the normal parts of childhood, he continues to bring joy to others through his crafts, laughter, and kindness. His courage and positivity inspire everyone who knows him.
Isabelle was first diagnosed with medulloblastoma at eight years old in August of 2021. At that time, she faced headaches and vomiting that led her family to seek answers. After surgery, 30 rounds of proton therapy, and four rounds of chemotherapy, she was cancer-free for nearly three and a half years.
Just two days ago, her family received the unexpected news that Isabelle’s latest MRI shows a new tumor, a relapse with no symptoms leading up to it. The path ahead is uncertain, and her family is preparing for what comes next.
During her initial treatment, her family had to make enormous sacrifices. Isabelle’s mom spent nearly seven months away from her other two children while she received care in San Diego. Their lives have been forever changed by her diagnosis, and although they try to live each day to the fullest, the news of this relapse has left them devastated.
Isabelle’s personality shines through even in the hardest moments. She is hilarious, blunt, and refreshingly honest, saying exactly what she thinks. She loves playing Cookie Run Kingdom, singing, and spending time with her friends and little sister. Her spirit is bold, her heart is brave, and she has a resilience beyond her years.
Her family hopes to capture these moments with family photos, knowing that Isabelle still has a long, hard fight ahead, but believing that if anyone can face it, it is her.
Logan’s journey to diagnosis was a long and difficult one. He was seen at the pediatrician multiple times for chest pain and wheezing, and at first it was thought to be allergies. But when his breathing grew worse and his face began to swell, his mom trusted her instincts and took him to the ER. There, doctors discovered a large mass pressing on his heart and airway.
Since then, Logan has endured an incredible amount of treatment. He has had port and PICC line surgeries, bone marrow biopsies, lumbar punctures with spinal chemo, and over two years of IV chemo. He’s also faced 36 intramuscular injections, oral chemo, countless scans, antibiotic infusions, and blood and platelet transfusions. The toll of treatment has been heavy—physically, emotionally, and financially. Logan continues to work through muscle weakness and tightness in physical therapy, and his mom left her job to care for him, leaving their family with only one income.
Life looks very different now. Cancer has shifted everything about their world. His family describes it as heartbreaking and terrifying to watch him endure what they cannot fix. And yet, this journey has also given them perspective, reminding them daily of what truly matters.
Through it all, Logan’s personality shines. He loves telling silly jokes and has a way of making people laugh. He is incredibly friendly and finds joy in fishing, hunting, gaming, and riding his dirtbike. Even in the hardest seasons, his bright spirit continues to bring light to everyone around him.
Kaisa was diagnosed with cancer on April 22, 2024. Her journey began with a stiff neck that lasted for months. At first, doctors said it was just a crook in her neck. But after a CAT scan, they discovered an abnormality in her lower brain, and everything changed.
Because of her port, Kaisa cannot participate in rough play, but otherwise she continues to push forward with incredible strength.
She has already been through 13 rounds of radiation, three surgeries to place a shunt, a port, and an EVD. These treatments have been tough, and her family has faced many struggles along the way. The hardest part has been the constant worry. Life has changed drastically, and everyone’s focus is on making sure Kaisa is okay.
Through it all, her personality shines. Kaisa is silly, smart, and loves spending time outside with her family. Her biggest joy is being with her brother, who makes her laugh and brings her comfort during the hardest days.
Hope session by Casey Foggitt Photography | Facebook
Westin was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in September 2024. His journey began after a bike collision with his older brother led to back and hip pain. What at first seemed like an injury turned into a much deeper concern. He was taken to the orthopedic doctor to rule out a fracture, which led to an MRI, visits with his pediatrician, lab work, and eventually a referral to the oncologist, where the diagnosis was confirmed.
Since being diagnosed, Westin has faced many limitations. He has not been able to swim or enjoy a real shower or bath because of his central line. He has also had to step away from school and avoid places with large crowds, as his risk of infection is high during treatment.
Westin has already undergone chemotherapy and immunotherapy. He will also face surgery, radiation therapy, more immunotherapy, and two years of oral medication. The treatments have been hard on him, but the separation caused by frequent hospital stays has been especially difficult for the whole family. They often spend one to two weeks each month in the hospital, which means long periods apart, something that is very hard on Westin and his siblings.
Family life has changed in many ways. Holidays with extended family are no longer possible, as everyone works to keep Westin safe from illness. He now does homeschooling and misses his friends, field trips, and playdates. Life looks very different, but his family continues to stay strong for him and one another.
Westin’s personality shines through even in the hardest moments. He is no-nonsense and loves figuring out how things work. He can often be found building or taking something apart to see what is inside. He has a big love for trucks and dirt and dreams of growing up to be an excavator like his dad. He also has a silly side and loves watching funny cat videos and making his siblings laugh.
