Kaelyn

In June 2012, Kaelyn was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, an extremely rare and high-risk form of leukemia.  Never in a million years would we have thought that our then-five-year-old daughter would be in for the battle of her life just 10 days after completing kindergarten. Because of the intensity of her treatment, she was required to remain inpatient for the entire 5.5 months of her protocol. Due to the constraints of being inpatient, it was difficult to find balance between treating her and healing her in order for her to thrive.  Being cooped up indoors, lack of quality sleep, lack of physical activity, and lack of access to nutrient-dense food really took a toll on us. We always did the best we could, but the struggle was most certainly real!

Once Kaelyn completed the grueling treatment and was discharged, our family began to dive into our collective healing process. Finding resources and support on the journey to thriving was extremely lonely and difficult until we found MaxLove Project. It literally felt like we had hit the jackpot! There were resources available that were evidence based, and MaxLove Project had already done and continue to do the work in collecting the data! There was a growing network of like-minded families who were connected for social support, which was exactly what we needed. Thanks to MaxLove Project, we were no longer alone! Our lives changed forever the first time we attended a Fierce Foods Academy. From that day my children began to value food as medicine, as nutrition, and no longer were resistant to trying new things. We took the tools learned in that first FFA and every FFA and never looked back!

Since completing treatment, Kaelyn has been actively involved in soccer, swimming, and engaging in MLP programs and events. She is a 4.0 student and has been involved in competitive dance for the last six years. She just started her freshman year of high school and turned 14 on August 26! We are forever grateful for everything that MaxLove Project has given our family. Because of MaxLove Project we have gained lasting friendships, empowering tools, and inspiring education and support that has provided us with purpose, comfort, and clarity to move forward every day by knowing better and doing better!  These are all priceless and profound impacts of the essential programs and services MaxLove Project provides. — Jill, Kaelyn’s Momma