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.
Hope session by PYPhotography | Facebook | Instagram