Literally everywhere I turn there are more stories - stories of diagnosis, treatment, remission and survival, but also of pain and grief and loss.  CANCER is everywhere.  On May 21, 2015, my childhood friend’s ten year old daughter, Haley, was diagnosed with High Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and her journey with ALL began.

Haley has endured hundreds of oral chemotherapy doses at home, over 100 rounds of intravenous chemotherapy, 1 body scan, 2 emergency room visits, 25 spinal tap chemotherapy injections, 5 blood transfusions, 2 surgeries and numerous inpatient admissions. She endured hair loss twice, weight gain and weight loss. Haley is now in the maintenance phase of treatment which lasts for two years and includes oral chemotherapy daily and chemotherapy through her port once a month at the clinic. 

Back in 1955, my mom watched her sister's life be taken by ALL.  All those years ago they didn't have the treatments that are available today and unfortunately my aunt only lived 3 months past her diagnosis.  The advancements that have been made are amazing and it makes me feel confident that there will one day be a CURE! 

Another personal connection that makes me passionate about fighting blood cancers is that my dad is fighting Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia (CLL) - fortunately his prognisis is very good and his particular type of Leukemia is slow to spread.

Beyond these examples I personally have family, friends, colleagues, students, former students, a friends young child, a dear friend who is a survivor and more that are currently fighting this fight.  I am sure that most of you have similar stories. 

In an attempt to actively participate in the search for a cure I have joined TEAM HALEY.  We are a group of family and friends who are participating in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training program.  I will be raising a minimum of $750.  Amazingly the team I am a part of has over 70 participants and has committed to raising a combined total of $100,000!!

Your support is much appreciated!!

~Stacey

Picured below is Haley with her dad Mike and twin sister Karys, then a collage of many of the TEAM HALEY participants.

Also, see the you tube link for more on Haleys story.