One diagnosis, three stories, and the need for help

Every year 15,000 families hear the words “Your child has cancer.” Out of those 15,000 diagnosed, the most common type of childhood cancer is acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

This is the story of three families who heard those words and whose child received an ALL diagnosis. Their stories are interwoven by diagnosis, but you will quickly see just how different each situation is. The main theme outside of the diagnosis? They all needed support for everyday expenses so they could focus on what mattered most – taking care of their sick child.

All-Star Kaylee: ALL

Kaylee was not only diagnosed with ALL, but she also tested positive for the Philadelphia chromosome, which makes the cancer harder to treat and increases her risk of infection. This has required long and extensive hospital stays, making it impossible for her parents to work. At two years old, Kaylee has missed a year at daycare and lost the opportunity to be a toddler. Between not having additional help, and the amount Kaylee spent in the hospital, both parents were forced to stop working.

“When Pinky Swear paid the mortgage, it felt amazing. It saved us from the stress of the monthly call to say that our mortgage was late, and it meant that we could focus on Kaylee instead of the stress of trying to keep our home,” All-Star Kaylee’s mom, Alyssa, said.

All-Star Toby: ALL

For Toby and his mom, Cameron, they imagined it couldn’t get much worse than a cancer diagnosis. Then, their town was hit by Hurricane Helene, and Toby’s treatment was delayed because of clinic closures, and they were without fresh drinking water for months. Cameron was forced to stop working because of Toby’s cancer treatment plan, and their basic need for shelter was at risk both financially and physically from the storm.

“For people who think about donating to a smaller organization, it’s the most generous thing. It makes such a difference. It puts me in a better place to give him [Toby] a place to live. It gives us a little wiggle room,” All-Star Toby’s mom said.

All-Star Ayven: ALL

Ayven’s family is no stranger to obscure medical needs, but they never expected cancer in their three-year-old. Ayven’s mom, Carrie, manages her chronic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, and his dad, Abel, works in seasonal construction. When Ayven was diagnosed with ALL, both income and stability faltered. Carrie wasn’t able to save for rent payments, and Abel struggled to maintain work due to treatment demands. The family also had multiple children at home, and caregiving fell heavily on their neighbors during hospital stays.

“We received $500 to help with gas and groceries, that had me in tears. Those things were causing me stress, and now I didn’t have to worry about them. Pinky Swear is helping us keep our heads above water. Everyone fighting a battle needs to know there is a support line behind them,” All-Star Ayven’s mom, Carrie, said.

Every family experiences cancer a little differently. The one thing that remains the same is the relief they all felt when they received financial relief from Pinky Swear Foundation.

Until cancer is cured, families need financial support. Donate today to help families with everyday expenses so they can focus on their child's health.