Kali’a was diagnosed with leukemia on November 14, 2023. She had no symptoms at all. We had a 4-month well-child check and we were going to cancel that because we had reservations to Disneyland. But something in us told us to just go to the appointment. Our wonderful Kaiser pediatrician found a lump on her spleen and wanted to do further testing.
After that, we went to Disneyland. The next day we did more testing and right away the doctor called and said to pack a bag and go straight to Rady’s ER and that they would be waiting. I was confused because we had Kaiser. But that’s when we got the devastating news. “I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this, but I’m 90% sure your daughter has leukemia” I’ll never forget that and those feelings I had.
The leukemia diagnosis for our daughter has shattered the core of our family life. Our dreams of a new baby and joyous holidays were cruelly replaced by the shocking reality of a child battling cancer. Weeks spent in the hospital watching our little one fight for her life meant being separated from our boys, and missing the simple pleasures of togetherness. Financial struggles, emotional exhaustion, and the absence of external support have left us feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Despite the heartache and hardships, our baby girl is doing so well now and that’s more than we can ask. We are blessed to say her brother is her bone marrow donor.
Hope session by Robin Litrenta Photography | Facebook | Instagram