2 years and 4 months. What a journey it has been. And now, it’s time to ring the bell! 🌞🛎🎉
It has been a little while since I last shared an update about Freyja (or as we call her, Fig, though if we’re being honest, she prefers to go by Princess Freyja). But as we step into this new chapter, it feels like the perfect moment to share her incredible progress. The journey is far from over, but we are celebrating a huge milestone today.
Freyja finished her last dose of chemo. She’s turned 4 years old, and tomorrow—Wednesday, April 30th—she’ll finally get to ring the bell, signaling that she has officially kicked cancer in the butt!
When Freyja was first diagnosed with Leukemia two years and four months ago, she was in critical condition. To say we were all overwhelmed would be an understatement. The days were filled with terrifying code blue calls, endless blood transfusions, and a cocktail of drugs to try and stabilize her little body. But even as we watched her start to slowly turn the corner, we were hit with more heart-wrenching news: her vision was impacted by the treatments. That meant a long and uncertain road ahead.
For those closest to her—myself, Todd, and her big sister Neea—it’s hard to truly describe the impact this journey has had on our lives. Even though we’ve been by her side through the entire process, we can only catch glimpses of the reality of what it has meant to live through this. The countless procedures, the uncertainty, the constant need to stay vigilant. But throughout it all, Freyja has remained an amazing little girl, full of strength and resilience.
Months of shots in her legs three times a week became routine. The eye surgeries—four of them in total—didn’t stop her from staying strong. Lumbar punctures, transfusions, weeks of steroids, and daily chemo treatments all became part of her life. And perhaps one of the hardest things to witness was seeing her lose her hair—not once, but twice. Yet, through every setback, through every difficulty, Freyja remained the bravest little fighter.
And of course, the effects on her family were profound. Todd and I had to make countless sacrifices to ensure she remained safe, including making sure we were always within a few hours of a hospital. We had to adapt our entire lives to keep her as safe as possible. Travel plans were made around medical appointments, and everyday life became something we had to navigate with caution.
But it wasn’t just the medical aspects that changed. It was the normal, everyday experiences that children usually take for granted. Freyja learned to recognize her left and right not in a classroom, but at the labs. In fact, she has never once cried at the labs. I’m not sure many adults would be able to handle the way she does, but Freyja’s calmness and ability to handle the discomfort with a maturity far beyond her years is a testament to how incredibly strong she is.
Now, as we look ahead, we know that Freyja is in remission. 🌟 While the future is still uncertain and there will be regular checkups and lab appointments ahead, for now, she is free from the weight of chemotherapy. She can finally go to school, start making friends, and for the first time, she can enjoy things like running around in stores without worry. Simple, everyday joys that so many of us take for granted are now within her reach. It’s a reminder that even in the hardest of battles, there is light and joy waiting on the other side.
I am so grateful for the community of family and friends who have stood by us every step of the way. Your love, support, and prayers have carried us through the darkest days and have been a beacon of hope. The kindness we’ve received, the words of encouragement, the help when we needed it most—it has all meant the world to us.
Tomorrow, as Freyja rings that bell to signal the end of her treatment, we invite everyone who has been part of this journey with us to join in the celebration. If you have a bell, ring it in honor of Freyja, and send some goodness into the world. It’s a small but powerful act, a way of sharing joy and love with others who need it, just as we have needed it so much over the last two years.
To my sweet, brave Freyja, you are a miracle. You’ve fought harder than most adults ever will, and you’ve shown us all what it means to be truly resilient. Your strength, your spirit, your laughter—everything about you is a gift to this world. Watching you grow and overcome every obstacle in your path has been the greatest privilege. You are truly a princess, not just in name, but in the way you handle everything life has thrown at you with grace and strength. Keep shining, my beautiful girl. The world is yours, and I know you’re going to continue to amaze us all.
