Donald's Story

For the past year and a half, our family has been immersed in the world of pediatric cancer. Our son, Donald, was diagnosed in February 2020 with high risk, stage IV Neuroblastoma. My husband and I were completely numb and devastated at the news and could not imagine that we would still be battling today. After multiple rounds of chemo, radiation, and surgery, we thought we were in the clear only for my son to relapse twice - January 2021 and more recently in July 2021. We are currently working on a treatment plan to keep Donald's cancer at bay.

I believe what the enemy has meant for evil, God will turn it for good, and I truly believe he has called me to coordinate DIY For a Cure. Together, I know we can make an impact.

Be sure to follow @simplyhandmade on Instagram to follow Donald's journey.

Chase's Story

It has been two years of fighitng cancer for Chase, we are now on our third fight. He was diagnosed at age 3, August 9, 2019, the day after his mom's and brother's birthday and a day before his father's birthday. He was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, and he had one mutation that put us in high risk category. That mutation is normally only seen in adults. So of course the odds weren't in our favor. Chase has had two bone marrow transplant, the most recent one was on April 30, 2021. And on July 13, 2021 we found out he relapsed and it was aggressive. We are currently in the hospital with limited options left. We do not believe it is Chase's time and will contiune searching for more treatment options.

Be sure to follow @dangdiyhome on Instagram to follow Chase's story.

What is DIY For a Cure?

DIY For a Cure is a movement to bring awareness to pediatric cancer through DIY. We have asked the maker and DIY community on Instagram to help not only bring awareness to this terrible disease, but to raise funds to support further cancer research for the children.

The thing we quickly come to realize as a family battling cancer, is that these treatments are harsh, the kids go through so much, and if they survive, they have life altering side effects they have to deal with. Currently, 4% of federal funding is dedicated toward childhood cancer research, and that is absolutely not enough! Because of this, I’m asking for help to raise funds and awareness and funds to aid in better research and treatment for our children. I also encourage you to join the registry to become a potential blood stem cell donor. Visit BeTheMatch.org to request a kit, where you can potentially save a life.

Why MSK?

Donald is currently being treated at MSK Kids, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's pediatric department. MSK is comprised of some of the best and brightest researchers in their work to outsmart cancer. These innovative thinkers are focused on fighting every form of the disease. The close collaboration between MSK's doctors and researchers is unique and one of its greatest strengths—ensuring that drugs and therapies developed in the lab can be moved quickly to the clinic. MSK actually spearheaded the groundbreaking therapy which was recently FDA approved (Naxitamab) which has helped countless kids in their battle for high risk Neuroblastoma.

Thank you!

Most of all, thank you SO MUCH for being a part of this journey! Thank you for praying for our boys. Thank you for your messages and words of encouragement. It means more to us than we can ever express.

With Love,
Kell & Oanh