Dear Friends and Community,
We share with you the story of Aaleah, a vibrant two-year-old whose radiant spirit continues to shine despite a heart-wrenching battle with a rare form of leukemia, AML RAM CBFA2T3::GLIS2. This brave little girl, full of love, energy, and joy, has touched the hearts of everyone she meets, her light undimmed by the challenges she faces. Since Easter, when symptoms first emerged, Aaleah’s journey has been one of courage and resilience. Since May, she and her devoted mother, Cora, have called St. Louis Children’s Hospital their temporary home.
Aaleah’s fight has been relentless. She has endured nearly ten bone marrow biopsies, countless scans, the placement of a central line, and is now undergoing her fourth round of chemotherapy. This treatment is a vital bridge to her upcoming stem cell transplant, scheduled for the first week of September. Following her transplant, Aaleah will undergo a specialized procedure designed to target the mutated cells at the core of her illness. After these procedures, she will need to remain in the St. Louis area for up to 100 days—a critical period during which she will have no immune system and will require daily blood draws. Through it all, Aaleah remains a warrior, an angel on earth, and a beautiful soul whose smile radiates hope and love for her family and life itself.
Cora, Aaleah’s mother, has been unable to work since May and may not return to work until next summer, as she dedicates herself fully to her daughter’s care. The financial burden of medical bills, lodging, food, travel, and other expenses has been immense. Thanks to the incredible support of family, friends, and a dedicated care team, they have not faced this journey alone. Now, we turn to our compassionate community for help.
On September 28th, we are hosting a silent auction at Southbound Bar and Grill to raise funds to ease the financial strain on Aaleah’s family, allowing them to focus entirely on her recovery. The event will feature an array of heartfelt donations, including beautiful gift baskets, automotive gift cards, Silver Dollar City tickets, a $100 gift card for custom made shirts, and much more, generously contributed by friends, family, Aaleah’s PCP (Dr. Folstad and staff) and my work family (Oncology Hematology Associates). We invite you to join us, bid on these wonderful items, and support this worthy cause. If you or someone you know would like to contribute to the auction, please reach out to us. This is a meaningful opportunity to promote a business while making a profound difference in Aaleah’s life.
Aaleah is a true princess with a spark of spice, and her strength inspires us all. With your help, we can ensure that Aaleah’s light continues to shine brightly, reminding us all of the power of love, community, and resilience.
With gratitude and hope,
Billy and Shelly Smith (Papa and Nana)
Also check out other Nonprofit events in Nixa.
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