13-year-old Danielle Tallina of East Chambers loves basketball, music, dancing and the Aggies. However, participating in some of these activities is being put on hold for now. In early July, Danielle went to the doctor with what seemed to be a virus. On July 9, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

is a form of leukemia, characterized by the overproduction and continuous multiplication of malignant and immature white blood cells (also known as lymphoblasts) in the bone marrow. It is a hematological malignancy. It could be fatal if left untreated as ALL spreads into the bloodstream and other vital organs quickly. (Source: www.wikipedia.org).

How can ALL be treated? Danielle will undergo chemotherapy for the next two years. She is currently receiving treatment at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston. At only 13-years-old,

this is not Danielle's first experience with leukemia. The disease has also struck her younger step-sister, Madison (pictured in pink hat).

We hear the stories, good and bad, of women in our community. Every now and then, we come across a story that must be shared. Danielle's story is one of them. When Danielle's aunt, Summer Tallina, wrote us, we couldn't help but put ourselves in her shoes. As if being new to the teenage world isn't hard enough, this young student will now be out of school for several months and will have to face life- and death- head on. Danielle's doctors are hopeful that she'll be in full remission when her chemo is done due to the fact they caught ALL so early.

Danielle's parents, Allen Tallina of Lumberton and Carrie Potier of East Chambers, have already maxxed out insurance benefits for Danielle's treatments. They are now facing outrageous out-of-pocket medical expenses with a full two years of treatment to go. In addition to the treatment expenses, the cost of traveling is going through the roof. At Texas Children's Hospital, it costs $11 per day for parking (plus food). This family could use your help. Every little bit counts.

What can you do?

• Mark your calendars for August 4. Stop by the Market Basket in Lumberton anytime between 10 am - 4 pm and visit Danielle's Link Sale for lunch or dinner.
• Drop a buck (or several!) in any of the donation jars around town. Currently, you'll find donation jars in Lumberton at Red Onion, Novorosky's, Huddle House and La Tee Da Salon.
• Email Aunt Summer to donate items for raffles or make a cash donation.

Danielle could be my daughter. Or yours. Currently 80% of childhood cases of ALL are considered curable. If you are able, please consider donating money or items for raffles so that Danielle can continue to receive treatment. When a family is going through a time of struggle, it is a prime opportunity for you to do something that builds them up, encourages them, and spurs them on to look toward the end of that struggle.  You can make a difference!

Featured Editorial Archive