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.
To Todd and Neea, thank you for your unwavering support, your sacrifices, and your love for Freyja. This journey hasn’t been easy for any of us, but we’ve made it through together. And the journey is far from over—we will continue to support one another as we face whatever comes next.
And finally, to everyone who has been part of this story—thank you. We are not just celebrating Freyja’s victory today, but the love and strength that has surrounded us all throughout this journey. Together, we have made this possible. Let’s continue to share love, spread joy, and ring those bells in celebration of all the victories, big and small. 💖🛎
Here’s to Freyja’s future—full of promise, hope, and endless possibilities. Keep shining, sweetheart. The best is yet to come. 🌟
Carter’s Battle: A Story of Strength, Courage, and Unbreakable Love.388
At just seven years old, Carter from Grand Prairie, Texas, is fighting a battle that no child should ever have to face. What began as a simple pain in his leg quickly turned into a nightmare that no family could have anticipated. A tumor on his spine. A devastating diagnosis of stage 4 neuroblastoma. And now, Carter is fighting not just for his life, but for a future that he deserves — a future filled with laughter, play, and joy, just like every other child.
Before the pain started, Carter was a healthy, vibrant boy. He loved soccer. He adored school. His world was full of energy and dreams. But in a matter of days, his life — and the life of his family — was irrevocably altered. The pain that seemed so innocent at first turned out to be the beginning of a long, grueling battle with an aggressive cancer that has spread to his bone marrow, taking his innocence and forcing him into a life he could never have imagined.
The Sudden Shift: From Healthy to Hospitalized
Last fall, Carter’s life was as normal as any child’s. He was living a carefree, happy life, enjoying his favorite activities and excelling in school. But then came the pain. A pain that, at first, seemed to be nothing more than a muscle strain. But as days passed, the pain worsened, and a tumor on his spine was discovered. It didn’t take long for the doctors to deliver the news: stage 4 neuroblastoma — a rare and aggressive form of cancer that spreads rapidly, often to the bone marrow.
Carter’s family had no idea how to process this. What they thought would be a short stay in the hospital quickly turned into something far more terrifying. They thought they would be in the hospital for just two days. Instead, they found themselves spending 35 days in the ICU, fighting for Carter’s life each moment.
The emotional toll of those 35 days was nothing short of overwhelming. The ICU became their new home, and with each passing day, the weight of the situation grew heavier. Carter’s body was being ravaged by this disease, and his family could only watch as the boy they knew and loved became unrecognizable in the face of relentless treatments and surgeries.
The Unseen Strength of a Little Warrior
Despite the unimaginable pain, the fear, and the uncertainty, Carter’s strength has been extraordinary. While many children his age would be crumbling under the weight of such a diagnosis, Carter has shown courage that is beyond his years. His laughter still rings through the halls of the hospital, his smile still lights up the room, and his spirit remains unbroken, even in the face of an uphill battle.
Carter’s journey hasn’t been easy. Every day has brought new challenges, new tests, and more pain. His treatments are harsh, and his body is fighting against the cancer and the side effects of the treatment. Yet through it all, Carter remains a warrior. He still dreams. He still hopes. He still finds reasons to smile.
For his mother, the experience has been both heartbreaking and humbling. She says, “We’ve had to go to the darkest places a parent should never have to go, but I’m grateful I get to leave with my child.” In the face of such immense pain and uncertainty, Carter’s mother’s gratitude is a reminder that love can provide light, even in the darkest times.
The Power of Family and Love
The bond between Carter and his family has been the foundation of his strength. His parents, despite being thrust into a nightmare they could never have imagined, have shown an unshakable love for their son. They have refused to let go of hope, even when the road ahead seems insurmountable. The love of a parent is unmatched, and Carter’s family is proof that this love can carry a child through even the most trying of circumstances.
Each day, they pray for their son. They pray for strength, for healing, and for the courage to continue fighting alongside him. They know that the road ahead will be long and fraught with challenges, but they are determined to face it together. The strength of a family united in love is an unstoppable force, and Carter’s family exemplifies that in every way.
The Road Ahead: A Fight for Life
While Carter’s battle is far from over, his story is a beacon of hope for others who are facing similar battles. His strength, resilience, and unwavering determination to live are an inspiration to everyone who meets him. And even though Carter’s future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: he is a fighter. His spirit is unbreakable, and he will not give up without a fight.
As his family continues to navigate this harrowing journey, they are reminded that Carter is not alone. He has an army of love, support, and prayers surrounding him. People from all walks of life have come together to show their support for Carter, offering their prayers, donations, and encouragement. The love and grace that have been shown to Carter and his family are a testament to the power of community — a community that refuses to let a child fight alone.
How You Can Help: Join the Fight
As we witness Carter’s journey, we are reminded that no child should ever have to face this battle alone. Carter is not just fighting for himself — he is fighting for every child who has ever been touched by cancer. And in this fight, we can all play a part.
This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, let’s stand with Carter. Let’s show him that he is not alone, that there is an entire world of people supporting him, praying for him, and cheering him on. Let’s rally together to spread the message of hope, healing, and life. Because with an army of love behind him, there is no limit to what Carter can achieve.
Sending Love, Prayer, and Encouragement
We ask that you join Carter and his family in this fight. Send them your prayers, your encouragement, and your love. Share Carter’s story far and wide so that his fight for life can inspire others and bring even more support to his cause. The more people who come together, the stronger the community around Carter will become, and the more powerful his fight will be.
Carter is a warrior, and his story is far from over. But with our love, our prayers, and our unwavering support, he can continue to fight — not just for his life, but for the future he deserves.
Please leave a prayer, a word of encouragement, or share Carter’s story so that we can show him and all the brave children fighting cancer the love and grace they so richly deserve. Together, we can make a difference.
