My son, Karsen Joseph Winters, fought Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma for just shy of five years. He passed away at only 13 years old, but in that short time, he left an unforgettable mark on everyone who knew him. Karsen loved the color green, fishing, camping, reptiles of all kinds, especially snakes and lizards. His dream was to be a fishing charter boat captain, or a zookeeper when he grew up. He had an incredible gift for making people laugh. Even while enduring cancer treatments, he refused to let the illness define him. He became known on the cancer unit for pranking the nurses and staff by hiding fake cockroaches and laughing until his sides hurt. In the middle of fear and pain, Karsen brought joy.
Halfway through his treatment, Hurricane Ian destroyed our home. While our child was battling cancer, we suddenly lost nearly everything else. We were displaced, paying our mortgage, association dues, and rent all at once, while medical bills and daily expenses continued to pile up. We were exhausted, scared, and completely overwhelmed. There came a point where we truly did not know how we would survive; financially or emotionally.
Myla’s BeLeaf stepped in when we had no strength left. If it were not for them, we would have lost our home. Their support didn’t just help us catch up on bills. it gave us breathing room, stability, and the ability to focus on our child instead of fearing where we would sleep or what we would lose next. In the darkest chapter of our lives, they were a lifeline.
To the donors of Myla’s BeLeaf: please know that your generosity changes lives. You give families facing pediatric cancer hope when everything feels hopeless. You give parents the ability to keep going when they feel broken. Because of you, families like mine are reminded that even in tragedy, kindness and compassion still exist. We are forever grateful. THANK YOU!!
