Friends, Hi everyone. My family has been a bit of a roller coaster this past week. My 13 y.o. niece, Alexis Willey, was sent to the Iowa City Children's hospital after some initial blood work. We were told she might have leukemia, then told no, and then on Friday she was conclusively diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It is a rare form, less than 500 kids a year are diagnosed with it, so the doctors were not initially looking at that. Yesterday she began intensive chemo and was placed in isolation. She will receive the chemo in a port in her chest and in her spine so it goes all the way to her brain. 'Normal' chemo treatment for leukemia is two years. Because she is receiving intensive treatment, it should be less, but needless to say WAY TOO long. They were told the success rate is 50% and if they can find a bone marrow donor it will be closer to 80%. My other niece,her sister, may be the only possible donor. She is in 3rd grade. Unfortunately my family has had other stress. My brother, Nate, was laid off for a year. He started work at John Deere this fall, but his probation period isn't over until February 1st. So when he isn't at work (visiting Alexis) he doesn't get paid and his insurance hasn't started. We decided to plan a benefit for them. It is on February 5th in Davenport, Iowa. Obviously most of you won't be able to attend, but I thought I would post this up. We could use any prayers for this long journey ahead of her. We set up a paypal account so if you would like to donate money to help out please send it to TeamAlexisRiseUp@hotmail.com through paypal. This is really scary and sad. If you willing to donate anything to auction off, please send an email to AlexisWilleyFoundation@hotmail.com. I've been a long time lurker of the friday art show, so I'm hoping some of you gifted people would be willing to donate something. I've attached the flier for the event. Please don't feel obligated to donate. Prayers are just as welcome. Thanks if you read all through this.
Wow! Your amazing. Can you please send me your address and info? I want to make sure I send you a thank you. Send email to: TeamAlexisRiseUp@hotmail.com God Bless you!
Very best of luck to the family and prayers for Alexis. May she beat this and live a great life. I'm learning that at***ude makes a significant difference in all aspects. Keep positive as much as possible. All the best.
I normally don't give money because if I gave to everyone who has a problem then I would be flat broke. But.....I sent a few bucks to help out.Give the girl a hug,tell her it's from the Tone
Wow. I am so humbled and great full for you guys. Thank you so much for this. Every little bit helps. I can't tell you how much I respect and appreciate this. I love all you guys. Thanks so much!
Best wishes and a speedy recovery for this little girl from the IRON LORDS. Give little Alexis a hug for us. Donation Sent
My Daughter is 12,I couldnt imagine the stress for these folks, Sent mine, Best wishes to her and her family, Tony
Tony, Thank you so much for the donation! Its very much appreciated. Alexis is a warrior and will beat this. God Bless!
Ray Thank you so much! Very generous of you! She is fighting the good fight. I talked to my brother through email today and he said she is really doing good. They gave her a hair cut and manicure, and that seemed to put a sparkle in her eye. Its truly amazing all of the support and help we are getting. I can't thank you all enough God Bless you all!
It wasn't too long ago that my daughter was 13. Little 13 year old girls should be socializing, laughing with their friends, getting excited about starting high school, gossiping, playing fast pitch, hanging with their Dads, not getting chemo and fighting for their lives. This just tears me up and I pray that your little niece comes through and starts enjoying all the things little girls that age do.
I wish Alexis well. Donation sent. You got to,love technology that allows one to do this so easily from the other side of the world! Geoff aka whodaky
Thanks Geoff! Technology is a wonderful thing. We REALLY appreciate your donation. Thank you soo much! God Bless, Biff
I wanted to take some time and thank everyone again. I am a strong believer in trying to find positives out of everything in life. Just when I thought I finally found something that there really is no positive in, you guys prove me wrong. THANK YOU SO MUCH from the bottom of my heart. I just want to shake all of your hands, look you in the eye, and tell you how much I appreciate this. Alexis is a VERY VERY strong and very special girl. Unfortunately, I will never be able to thank all of you in person. When she heard about all of you opening up and helping out she responded with, "This is how Angels are made." It gives me cold chills just to write it. Thank you soo soo much! God Bless you all! Team ALEXIS RISE UP!
Alexis needs our help and if Hambers can't do it who can?We are big in numbers on this site and have always helped those in need. The way I see it this little Angel need our prayers and support.
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