January 1st, 2017, changed my family’s life forever. That day, my daughter, Kendall James, was 5 years old and was diagnosed with stage 3, group 3, Rhabdomyosarcoma Embryonal. When then, we were told that we would have a very long and hard battle ahead of us and would have to be away from home for many weeks. Her dad and I were already trying to process that our daughter has cancer, and now they tell us that we are going to have to stay in Nashville, TN, for long periods. With my husband’s job, he doesn’t get paid if he isn’t there, which was our only source of income at that time. We also have two other daughters at home to think about, too. We had no idea how things would work out with being gone, missing work, and having all the hospital bills and your everyday bills.
Then, in February 2017, I received a Facebook message from Gaylon Hayden from Book for Hope®. She asked if Kendall and I would like to meet up with her at a local restaurant so she could tell us about her Non-Profit Organization. We told her that we would love to meet up with her, and the next week, we met with her. She told us all about Book for Hope® and how it helps families with children battling cancer, and she also gave Kendall a book she wrote herself.
Book for Hope® helped our family in a BIG way in 2017! With the funds they gave to our family, my husband and daughters could come to Nashville, TN, and spend time with Kendall. During some of her most challenging days, we did not have to worry about whether we were going to lose our house or if we were going to have water and power when they got back home from visiting us. We could not have had quality family time in Nashville, TN, without Book for Hope® and all it has done and continues to do for children battling cancer. Book for Hope® understands that cancer doesn’t just affect the body; it touches every part of a family’s life. Book for Hope® connects with others who truly understand their journey, forming bonds that offer strength and solace. They are part of a community that cares deeply and is ready to walk alongside them every step of the way. Through the tears and triumphs, these organizations offer a powerful message of hope, resilience, and unwavering love.