Meet Greenleigh – Leukemia Warrior
“I’m not sure how we’d manage all of this without NCCS. Their help has allowed us to focus on what truly matters: Greenleigh’s health and happiness.”
Greenleigh’s Journey
Greenleigh was a joyous, playful 4-year-old who loved running around with friends until life changed suddenly in July of 2023. What started as mild leg pain was soon accompanied by fevers, leaving Greenleigh unusually quiet and exhausted. When her fever spiked to 103.6 degrees, her parents rushed her to the emergency room. There, tests revealed the unthinkable: Greenleigh had B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. But it wasn’t just any leukemia – genetic testing confirmed a rare mutation, Philadelphia-like leukemia, putting her in the high-risk category and intensifying her already-grueling treatment plan.
For Greenleigh’s family, this news was devastating. Yet they watched in awe as Greenleigh faced the long days of chemotherapy, painful side effects, and numerous hospital visits with a fierce spirit. She endured a particularly challenging treatment called Blinatumomab, a new FDA-approved medication with high hopes but significant risks. For 28 days, she carried a pump that delivered this medication directly, knowing that while it could save her life, it might bring serious neurological side effects. The potential for speech issues, seizures, and mental fog was terrifying, but Greenleigh and her family were determined to try every option.
With each new treatment, Greenleigh’s strength and spirit shone through. Despite painful setbacks, including multiple infections and severe complications, she refused to let her illness define her. She longed to go to school, craving normalcy and connection with other kids, and her mother honored this dream by enrolling her and arranging homebound schooling for the harder days. Even on days she was too weak to play, Greenleigh held onto her dream of visiting Disney World for her Make-A-Wish trip, imagining herself laughing and running with her favorite characters.
After an arduous year, that dream was within reach as her family eagerly prepared for their Disney trip. But just days before, Hurricane Milton struck, and their plans were heartbreakingly canceled. Yet even with this disappointment, Greenleigh’s resilience shone through. She completed the difficult Blinatumomab treatment and is now rebuilding her strength, facing each day with hope and determination. The emotional toll on her family has been immense, especially after moving to Tennessee without any close friends or relatives. “This journey can feel so isolating,” Greenleigh’s mother, Stephanie, shared. “The struggle is relentless, and the financial burden only adds to it. Managing the cost of frequent trips to the hospital, paying for medications, and maintaining a stable home for our children have pushed us beyond what we ever imagined.”
As she embarks on the next phase of her journey, Greenleigh will continue with maintenance chemotherapy, with strength and grace driving her.
How We Helped
Thankfully, The National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS) has been a source of support for Greenleigh’s family. Living an hour from the hospital means frequent trips for treatments and check-ups. The NCCS has helped ease this burden by providing financial assistance for travel through our Transportation Assistance Fund, enabling Greenleigh to access the care she needs without adding further strain on her family. The organization also provided support through our Emergency Assistance Fund. Her father, Marcus, shared, “I’m not sure how we’d manage all of this without NCCS. Their help has allowed us to focus on what truly matters: Greenleigh’s health and happiness.”
Greenleigh’s journey is a testament to the strength and resilience of children facing cancer. She is an inspiration to her family and all who meet her, teaching us that hope, courage, and unwavering support can carry us through even the darkest times.
