Aimee, an incredibly well-versed and passionate childhood cancer mom and advocate currently residing in Indiana, shares with Elevate why donating blood matters and how it became a lifeline for her daughter, Leanor while undergoing treatment for Ewings Sarcoma.

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    “Count-related delays were a constant for us throughout Lea’s treatment.” Aimee continues, “We rarely saw any of the tell-tale symptoms of low hemoglobin, but even a gentle hug left her bruised if her platelets were low.”

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    “She was surprisingly zen about the frequent transfusions, which were delivered through her port (port access was a process for which we had a very solid distraction routine).  Neutropenia left her in a mild panic.  Even now, some two years later, she gets anxious taking her temperature. 

Leanor explains how she felt about this back in 2021.

   “If I have to go in for a fever, I’m like, ‘No!!!!’ When I have a fever, I have to have a poke in my arm in the Emergency Room.  It’s really uncomfortable, even *if I have magic cream.  And sometimes I jump and it comes out, which makes them have to poke multiple times.”

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   Leanor celebrated 3 years NED (no evidence of disease) in the fall of 2024 and she is currently living life post-treatment with zero mobility restrictions.  Managing her anxiety, especially the medical anxiety, is a constant work-in-progress, but she continues to do well academically and socially.  She returned to ballet class and she’s a proud member of her school’s choir, and an active Junior Girl Scout.

Sunflower photography by the talented Haley Birdwell