When I was pregnant with my first child, Kayla, I did what every other new mother does, I dreamt about her future. What she would look like, what kind of person she would be? I can tell you with absolute certainty that none of my dreams involved childhood cancer.
Kayla started kindergarten in 2008 when she was 4. She excelled at reading and she loved to go to school everyday. I started noticing in early November that she was more fatigued than usual, she had bags under her eyes, she complained of joint pain and would get a fever every night. We took her the the dr. to see what was wrong. They sent us to a bigger hospital where they “specialized in blood disorders.” I had no idea that they were already thinking leukemia, I just figured she has anemia like me.


I am so glad to hear that she is cancer free now. how heartbreaking to discover your child is sick! She’s a beautiful girl, and tough, too!
What a brave little girl! I’m a retired teacher and had several kids over the years that were battling different cancers. It’s heartbreaking to see, but those kids were so strong and made it through it!
Your story speaks for so many out there with childhood cancer. Your daughter sounds like one brave little girl. I have had several in my family as adults go through cancer the past few years and cannot even imagine having family or a child of my own so young to deal with this pain, fear, weakness, and how it BECOMES your life, unfortunately for a long while. So happy to see her back in school and enjoying the sweet and stable life of a kid, like all little ones should have. God Bless your family with happy healing!
oh wow that’s crazy.. she’s adorable
Wow, what a brave little girl. I’ve had a spinal tap and I can tell you it was the worst pain I’ve ever experienced in my life and I’ve had two babies – one without pain killers. I don’t know how she did it but she’s obviously made of strong stock and has a purpose here on earth.
I made a donation to the Ronald McDonald House in Kayla’s honor.
Thanks for sharing this sweet little girl with us and childhood cancer sucks.
Sandra – your post made me so proud and sad at the same time. I am so sorry for everything you as a family {and Kayla} have been through. Yet, what a remarkable and brave girl she is.
You are an amazing mother, she is very lucky have such love surrounding her – I hope she has such a wonderful year in Grade 2!
I do not know if I could be strong enough to deal with one of my childen with cancer> I am such a big supporter of childhood cancer and have reaised alot of money for the research over the years. So happy things turned out ok for her. Wishing you all many blessings!
Looking back on the past 3 years I had no idea what life would be like but look at it now, just keep swimming. Love you Sandra, Kayla and the whole family.
Of course your little girl is brave, she comes from good stalk…..Prayers for you and your family daily.
I cannot even begin to imagine the heartache and pain that you’ve each had to endure. Kayla has a story of bravery, that only a child can have – children are so brave it is really humbling. I truly hope that her blood tests continue to come back cancer-free. Sandra, thank you for sharing Kayla’s story with us.