Sasha, a beautiful and brave young girl, has become a beacon of hope and strength in her family’s life. At only seven years old, Sasha has already shown resilience beyond her years, fighting against the relentless storm of cancer with a courage that inspires everyone around her. Her journey, filled with moments of heartache, fear, and immense challenges, has also been one of unwavering hope, determination, and love.
Sasha’s mother recently shared the struggles they’ve faced in these past days, which have been particularly difficult. “This part of the journey has been the hardest yet,” she writes, her words filled with the weight of the past few days.
From the constant beeping of monitors through the night to the heavy pain that led them to the ICU, Sasha’s family has watched her fight through immense suffering. “But somehow, this has revealed more of your strength than we ever thought possible,” her mother continues, a testament to the incredible resilience Sasha has shown in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Each day has been a battle, but Sasha’s family has found moments of hope, however small, that keep them going. As Sasha slowly comes back to them in small, miraculous minutes—fifteen here, twenty there—when the pain subsides just enough for her to smile, those moments feel like pure sunlight breaking through the clouds.
“These brief moments are everything,” her mom writes. It’s in these precious moments, when Sasha’s personality shines through despite the pain, that her family draws their strength. It is a reminder that even in the darkest hours, there is light to be found.
One of the most touching moments Sasha’s mom shares is the simple question Sasha asks every day, “Mommy, how do I look?” Even though Sasha is going through one of the toughest battles imaginable, her curiosity and desire for connection are ever-present.
Her mother answers with pride and love, tears in her eyes: “You look incredible.” The beauty of this moment is not just in Sasha’s appearance but in the bravery that radiates from her. Sasha’s courage, despite everything, teaches her family what true strength really means.
The love and support that surrounds Sasha have been crucial in her fight. Family and friends have filled the room with familiar voices, offering the comfort and warmth that only home can provide. Even Sasha’s new kitty was granted visitation rights, curling up against her and reminding her that love always finds its way in, no matter the circumstances.
This small moment of connection brought comfort and reminded Sasha that, even in the toughest moments, she is not alone. “Love will always find its way in,” her mom reflects, a powerful reminder of the healing power of love and family.
As Sasha’s family reflects on the past three years, they are filled with gratitude for the moments they’ve had together. “We have done more in these three years than we did in the ten before—all because of you,” her mother shares. These words highlight the profound impact Sasha has had on her family’s perspective on life.
The pain of her illness has been accompanied by a deeper understanding of what it means to truly live in the moment. They have learned to stop waiting for the perfect time and instead have embraced the beauty of every experience, whether it’s a spontaneous trip, a family outing, or simply being together. The beaches, the Disney trips, the family travels—all of these memories are now their armor, something they can hold onto as they face the uncertain road ahead.
Recently, Sasha’s family learned that the current therapy wasn’t strong enough to fully tackle the tumor. But even in the face of this setback, they’ve found new hope. “Today we have a new target on the tumor—a new chance, a new ‘why not try,’” her mother writes.
With this new hope in their hearts, Sasha’s family is ready to fight again. They hold onto this hope like a lantern, guiding them through the darkest of times. “We are ready once again to give it everything we have,” her mom says, a powerful declaration of their commitment to Sasha’s recovery.
Sasha’s journey is not just a story of illness—it’s a story of love, hope, and resilience. Every step they take is in honor of the warriors who fought before them, for those still fighting beside them, and for those whose battles have yet to begin. Sasha’s family is determined to keep moving forward, with each step carrying them closer to the day when they see a cure for their little warrior. Every act of love, every prayer, and every word of encouragement helps propel them forward.
Sasha’s fight is a reminder to us all of the power of love and the strength that lies within each of us. As she faces this battle, she teaches us what it means to live with courage and hope. She reminds us that even in the hardest moments, there is always light to be found, and there is always hope to hold onto. Sasha’s journey is not over, but with each day, her family grows stronger, and their love for her only deepens.
To Sasha, your bravery has touched us all. You are an inspiration, a hero in your own right. We stand with you every step of the way, sending you all our love, strength, and hope. Keep fighting, little warrior. You’ve got this.
Lucky Penny: A Toddler’s Miracle Journey and the Life She’s Grateful for 1210
Penny Hauenstein is just 2 years and 7 months old, but her energy, joy, and zest for life would make you think she’s a full-grown adult. With her love for nail polish, purses, and her family, Penny radiates happiness. She adores her parents, her big brother Finn, and her beloved pets—Levi and Shae the dogs, and Rex the cat. Penny’s life today is full of love, laughter, and a bright future ahead. But the journey to get to this point has been anything but easy.
A little over a year ago, in May 2023, Penny’s life took an unimaginable turn when she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. At just six months old, her parents, Melanie and Rudy, were given the devastating news. The tumor was located in a difficult-to-reach area of her brain, and doctors initially believed it was inoperable. Penny immediately started chemotherapy, beginning a journey no parent ever wants to go through.
“She underwent 34 rounds of chemotherapy,” Melanie shared with me, recounting those difficult months. “A port was inserted, and she showed signs of neuropathy. It was a very difficult time for all of us.”
But Penny, despite the pain and the overwhelming challenges of chemotherapy, fought through it all. Her strength and determination were evident even as she faced the hardest of battles. But while the treatment was grueling, her family never lost hope.
As the new year approached, Melanie and Rudy were searching for a miracle. They were unwilling to accept that Penny’s tumor was inoperable, and they sought out other options. Melanie joined a Facebook group where, through a twist of fate, she was directed to Dr. Paul Klimo, the head of pediatric neurosurgery at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
“Why not make an appointment to see Dr. Klimo?” Melanie said, reflecting on that pivotal moment. Sometimes, God and Facebook can work in mysterious ways. And in this case, it led them to the hope they so desperately needed.
Dr. Klimo didn’t believe Penny’s tumor was inoperable after all. The news was nothing short of a miracle. The Hauensteins had finally received the answer they had been praying for—the surgery that could change Penny’s life.
In May 2024, just one year after her diagnosis, Penny underwent brain surgery to remove the tumor. At just a year and a half, she bravely went through the procedure that would give her a fighting chance at life. And in an even greater blessing, Penny did not need follow-up chemotherapy or radiation. The surgery was successful, and Penny’s tumor was gone.
“The surgery was a huge success,” Melanie said, her voice filled with gratitude. “There has been no need for further treatment. Penny is doing incredibly well.”
Now, as she approaches her third birthday this November, Penny is healthy, happy, and full of life. Her recovery has been nothing short of miraculous, and her family is overjoyed to see her thriving once again. Penny is living the life her parents had prayed for, a life full of love, laughter, and all the things a toddler should enjoy—nail polish, purses, and time spent with her family and pets.
The future is bright for this beautiful little girl. There are no more hospital visits or treatments on the horizon, just a world full of green grass, blue skies, and endless possibilities. Penny’s journey serves as a reminder of the incredible strength that lies within children, the power of prayer, and the blessings that can come even in the most difficult of times.
For Penny, life is a gift, and every day is a reminder of the miracle she is. Her story is one of hope, resilience, and gratitude. As she continues to grow and experience all that life has to offer, her family is filled with joy and awe at the miracle that has unfolded in their lives.
“Lucky Penny,” as her family lovingly calls her, has proven that miracles happen. She has shown that with faith, love, and determination, even the toughest battles can be won. Today, Penny is healthy, happy, and ready for all the adventures that await her.
Let’s continue to keep Penny, her parents Melanie and Rudy, her brother Finn, and the entire Hauenstein family in our thoughts and prayers. Their story is a testament to the power of hope and the miracles that can happen when we believe.
