Meet Keatons’s Kiddo Aynara, an adorable 4-year-old that loves coloring, Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, reading Monster’s Inc books, and especially loves caring for her countless amount of dolls!
On January 25, 2021, Aynara’s life unexpectedly changed when she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), the most common form of pediatric cancer. Keaton’s was first introduced to Aynara when her and her mom surprised us with a special visit, seeking support and a friendly face to talk to. On the spot, our Family Navigator team was able to read to and color with Aynara, while providing her mom with some respite to share about their journey and get to know their family. With a listening ear, Keaton’s team validated any worries and experiences that mom has had, while also actively listening for room to support. With that, Aynara enjoyed her time with our Family Navigators, which she now refers to as her “babysitters,” and was officially referred to our program.
Learning that Aynara has a 4 hour round trip commute between her home and treatment hospital, Keaton’s immediately offered travel solutions and supplied Aynara’s family with gas cards upon their visit. With Aynara’s mom taking her to inpatient stays and outpatient appointments often, she is unable to work, but uses the opportunity to devote all of her love and care to Aynara and her siblings throughout their family’s battle. Since being diagnosed, Aynara’s family has experienced many unexpected financial needs, and to offer our care, Keaton’s presented Aynara’s mom and dad with a financial grant through our Financial Assistance Program, so that they could focus on their daughter’s treatment with a little less stress.
Since our initial visit, we have welcomed Aynara and her mom back to our office to receive a special joy-filled Hope Chest after a long stay at the hospital. Knowing Aynara’s love for dolls, our Family Navigators made sure to include a toy set of dolls, along with a special snuggle blanket, some books, and other goodies for her to take home. After seeing her Hope Chest, Aynara lit up with so much joy and excitement, and just couldn’t wait! She immediately opened the box with dolls in our office, and our team had a great time helping her care for them. After a couple of hours of fun and play, our team made sure to send Aynara and her mom home with some gas cards for their long commute home and personalized Hope Chests for her two older brothers to remind them of the amazing role they play in Aynara’s journey.
Keaton’s is committed to providing love and care to all childhood cancer families we cross paths with. We are honored to continue the support of families, like Aynara’s, to bring them joy and comfort throughout their unexpected journeys.
