A little about Alina...

Alina is a feisty four year old, and big sister to Aubrey and Bryce.  Her infectious smile brightens those around her and she truly embodies the phrase “kids say the darnedest things.”  Most of all, Alina has a family who loves her unconditionally. 

What makes Alina smile?

Alina loves to sing, laugh, and play with her siblings—and they all love anything Disney!

This was not supposed to happen...

In early October 2014, Alina experienced confusing symptoms of leg and joint pain.  Doctors originally thought it may be a small fracture or a broken toe, but nothing seemed to ease her pain and Alina continued to cry.  

Lab work eventually revealed a problem with her blood cell counts, and specialists have officially diagnosed her with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (or "ALL").

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

ALL is a cancer of the white blood cells and most commonly affects children between the ages of 2 to 5 years old.  About 6,000 cases are reported in the United States every year.  

ALL damages a child's body by producing too many immature white blood cells in the bone marrow.  This can spread to other organs and prevents the formation of normal red and white blood cells that the body needs to function.*

In order to beat this thing...

Add one part courageous Alina and three parts intensive chemotherapy, and the odds of beating this thing are good.

Surgery is generally not an option as this is a body-wide problem of malignant cells.  Chemotherapy is the most common treatment option for ALL, and this is the path that Alina's doctors have taken.

Chemotherapy is delivered intravenously and orally with a three step plan of attack: remission (knock it down), intensification (kick it while it's down), and maintenance (make sure it stays down).

Treatment is expected to take at least two years.*

Will medical insurance cover all of this?

According to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the average cost for treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia per patient is $566,247.*

Alina's family has insurance that will play a major role in covering traditional medical expenses for doctor visits and chemotherapy.  However, insurance will not cover annual deductibles.  In addition, there are four major items that have severe economic effects on families caring for a child with cancer:

Deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses for treatment.

Loss of income due to time off caring for a loved one.

Travel expenses for treatment and follow-up care.

Inability to draw on programs for assistance.* ** ***

Alina needs her Pals!

We have set a goal to raise $38,550 for the easily anticipated out-of-pocket expenses not covered by insurance, loss of income, and additional day care for the family.

Alina's parents have already taken a considerable amount of time off just to reach a diagnosis.  Even with the amazing support of their jobs, the family understands that unpaid medical leave is on the horizon. 

The Children's Hospital of Orange County is over an hour away from Alina's home which will require time and travel.  Extra help will be needed to watch over Alina's brother and sister while her parents take her to receive her chemotherapy treatments.  This two year journey has barely begun. 

It is an unnerving experience to ask for help, but Alina's parents are willing to do whatever it takes to provide a stable environment for their family.

Should there be any left over funds, they will be directed to the Cancer Research Institute (who has one of the highest ratings on GuideStar), or Kids Courage (a small but powerful non-profit foundation devoted to helping families caring for children with illness).