Elladee (11 yrs old) went in for scheduled tonsillectomy in July 2025 following recurrent issues with strep throat. The ENT used incredible clinical judgement reading Elladee's pre-surgical bloodwork, cancelling surgery and making a referral to Children's Nebraska Hematology & Oncology. At the next day appointment, Elladee was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). She received four intensive rounds of chemotherapy (spending over four months in the hospital at Children's Nebraska) that took her to the brink of having no immune system. She achieved full remission, and on December 10th, she had her central line removal and began the rehabilitation process from the comfort of home in Wayne, Nebraska. She is back to participating in her favorite sport (volleyball), pastimes (spending time with her mini goldendoodle), and the joys of normal life!

Angels Among Us served as a breath of fresh air to our weary minds and bodies. AAU stepped in to support us with financial assistance while having a parent full-time at the hospital during Elladee's treatment. They continue to provide a space and place for normalcy and joy for the entire family. The community and support from AAU for families navigating pediatric cancer is unmatched!