If Naomi’s journey can shed light on this issue and bring awareness to others, we will share her story again and again and use it for whatever good it may bring.

It is hard to imagine what it must be like to be told your child has cancer. There were no clear and obvious signs of leukemia that Naomi’s mom, Nicole could recognize, but she had noticed a small bump behind Naomi’s ear close to her lymph node. So, she took Naomi to the pediatrician to have her checked out just in case. After closer observation by the doctor and after a series of tests, Naomi was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) at age 5.

After the diagnosis, Naomi was referred to Inova Fairfax Children Hospital. With the care of specialists and nurses, Naomi made it through chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. She had to stay in the hospital for 8 days. While she was there, the nurses and staff at the hospital provided excellent care for Naomi. The hospital staff also provided Nicole with information and resources to help Naomi and her family prepare for the journey ahead and cope with her illness. Today, Nicole is navigating survivorship late effects, raising Naomi and adapting to her ever-changing needs.

Naomi will continue to receive treatment for the next 2 years to avoid a relapse, but she is feeling much better and is able to even go to school.

Through this GivingForChange fundraising campaign, we hope to raise donations to help Naomi and many other children like her suffering from this terrible disease.