Dylan Joe "DJ" Anda is a fun, loving, 4 year-old boy that loves to make you laugh and smile. His countless "funny faces," wit, and enthusiasm never go unnoticed. So when DJ's parents observed an apparent decline in his energy right before leaving for a family trip to Aruba, they knew something wasn't right and immediately contacted his pediatrician. The following day, August 19, 2015, DJ was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL).
Needless to say, the family's life changed forever after the diagnosis. For the next 3 years, he will frequent hospital and at-home treatments, consisting of blood draws, lumbar punctures, and chemotherapy. Despite the regular trips to the hospital and roller coaster of side effects from his medications, DJ continues to stay strong and upbeat. 
The unconditional support from his faith, family, friends, medical team and associations like Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, help foster the positivity in DJ. It's a joy to watch him regain his life as a "normal" 4-year old. Simple things like humming his own tune, building Legos, crashing his monster trucks, and running around playing tag bring a new appreciation for life.

Lillie was a vibrant and active 13 year old but in mid-February of 2014. She suddenly was suffering from pain and constant vomiting. Of course, she and her family assumed it was the flu. However, after 11 days and three visits to doctors, a small tumor was found on her intestine. It was then that Lillie was diagnosed with Burkitt Lymphoma, an aggressive and fast growing tumor but, a treatable one. Surgery was done to remove the tumor and Lillie went through 2 rounds of chemotherapy and several tests to ensure the cancer had not spread. Luckily, it had not and she was notified that on May 2nd 2014 she was in remission. Thankfully Lillie has been cancer free for over 2 years now.

When hearing about other people with cancer, her family feels Lillie was lucky to have the diagnosis she did. Her Lymphoma was found early and they thought they were lucky to have the best Doctors and nurses possible. However, this incident in her life has changed their entire family. They are much closer and appreciate the important things in life; family, friends and good health. Lillie still remains positive as she did throughout the entire treatment process.

Ava, at 17 months, was full of energy, but when she stopped running around and resorted to crawling everywhere, par parents knew something was wrong with her. She was taken to the hospital and on March 12, 2012 at the age of 17 months, Ava was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.  Ava had a broviac line inserted into her chest so she could accept the chemo, fluids, antibiotics, pain medications, etc.  She went through 4 rounds of chemo and nearly 5 months in the hospital, she went into remission.  A year later, Ava relapsed.  She not only had to undergo treatment all over again but she needed different treatment plan for the second fight due to her having had the maximum amount allowed in a lifetime of some of the chemotherapy medications needed to treat her.  Ava underwent two additional rounds of chemo, total body irradiation, high dose chemo and an umbilical cord stem cell transplant.

Now over two years post transplant, Ava is doing really well and her doctors are very pleased with her progress.  Ava has had some recent challenges with the functionality of her heart but we are working closely with her cardiologist and oncologist to get that under control.  This, unfortunately is one of the many risks of battling cancer and having a bone marrow transplant. 

Ava has a tremendous amount of energy, she has the kindest heart, she dances to the beat of her own drum and with the exception of a small scar on her chest, no one would ever know  she was sick… twice!