As parents, we always knew we would do ANYTHING for our kids. The worst feeling is when you can’t do anything and realize they will have their own battles to fight. On April 24, 2020, our 13-year-old daughter, Mikayla, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. 

Mikayla had been battling a recurring cough for a few months. Wanting to make sure it wasn’t anything more (this was during Covid, after all), I took her to the ER to get a chest x-ray. I was shocked when the doctor wanted to admit her and have more tests run. I was even more shocked when I heard the words no parent ever expects to hear - “It looks like cancer.”

That began a beautiful journey we never imagined we would take as a family. Yes, I did say beautiful. Don’t get me wrong - cancer is NOT beautiful. Chemotherapy is painful, merciless, and something no child should ever have to endure. But we experienced an overwhelming outpouring of love from our community, met a compassionate network of nurses and doctors who advocated for our daughter, and had a front row seat to miracle after miracle (miracle in the truest of “can’t explain it”, “defies science” sense) in Mikayla’s life as she courageously battled this disease. It strengthened our family and our faith through a myriad of beautiful, treasured moments we will hold dear.

Mikayla officially became a survivor November 13, 2020, but we know our journey is not over. Our eyes have been opened to a world we never knew the depths of, but know we traveled through for a purpose. Our family is so thankful for all the many organizations that support children battling illness and disease, such as Chasin A Dream. We saw firsthand how important it is to keep these warriors’ spirits up and we hope to be able to find a way to give back so more families can finish victoriously! Isaiah 41:10

Update August 2022:

Mikayla is coming up on two years cancer-free and celebrated her Sweet 16. She started her junior year of high school, continuing to take AP and Dual Enrollment courses. She is excited to start the college process, exploring what she wants to study and where she wants to go. Mikayla has been able to jump back into doing the things she loves. She has picked up golf again, playing in a few tournaments. She also had the lead in her school’s production of Newsies. She continues to sing with The Young Singers and is looking forward to being in several musical theatre productions this year.

Mikayla is so thankful for the continued support and encouragement she has from family, friends, and the Chasin a Dream community.

Update May 2024: Mikayla’s 18th Birthday and Thriving