At 2 years old, Jenna was an active, curious toddler with an infectious laugh and a mischievous smile. Like many girls her age Jenna enjoyed watching and playing with Minnie Mouse, Paw Patrol, and Peppa Pig. Therefore, it was beyond shocking to her single mom, Martha, when she was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2021. Jenna had started passing out, so Martha took her to the doctor, but she never expected this. How could this vibrant little girl full of life, personality, and charm suddenly have cancer?

Jenna got a port surgically placed in her little chest and started a four-year chemotherapy plan. Martha kept a brave face in front of her only daughter but periodically had to step out of her hospital room to shed tears where Jenna could not see. She shared her fears with POST therapists who gave her advice and support. Martha lies next to her young daughter, watching her sleep and cries about all this little girl is having to go through – all that she cannot protect her from. She tries hard to keep her daughter’s life as normal as possible and dreams of the day that cancer will be just a memory. She is beyond grateful that POST has helped with rent, gas cards, and groceries so she can manage during this trying time.

Another brave young cancer survivor, Elijah, was first diagnosed in April 2014 at the age of 5 with very high risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. He went through 3½ years of grueling treatment with POST care team members by his side every step of the way providing support and encouragement. After cancer, Elijah’s family were finally back to living a “normal life,” which for Elijah meant going to school and playing with friends. Four years later the unthinkable happened – Elijah was back in the ER with bone pain which led to the news that his cancer was back.