We Are All In This Together

The delightful Millie Flamm was the first child with cancer who gave Ashtyn hope. At the end of January 2013, Millie was in the hospital trying to get cancer free at the same time Ashtyn was in the hospital completely shocked and terrified to hear she too had cancer. Back in those days immunocompromised patients were strictly isolated to their hospital rooms. From down the hall, Millie relayed a message to Ashtyn through her dad Brady. "Dad, I really wish she didn't get cancer.  Please tell her that even though it's really bad, a lot of good things happen, so she shouldn't be too sad." Brady's message to me was, "Be prepared to be amazed by your daughter's strength, your own strength, and by how many people love you." Those words have proven true time and time again. Millie passed away 4 1/2 months later on June 18th 2013 while Ashtyn was in the middle of her first bone marrow transplant. Since then we have continued to be inspired by how Millie always looked on the bright side of things. She took little thought for herself and instead focused her attention on brightening the lives of everyone else around her. Each year in June, Millie’s Princess Foundation hosts a fundraiser run where 100% of the money raised helps one Princess and one Prince who are currently fighting cancer. This year they are raising money for Millie Visser, a bundle of joy who is fighting cancer that causes tumors in her lower spine. She is such a tough, funny, confident, and happy child. Ashtyn and Millie met over a year ago when they both were inpatient and the connection has been there ever since. She is truly a miracle baby who is destined to astound the world while putting a smile on every face she meets. If you can, stop by at this event. It’s a chance to not only raise money for two cancer fighting kids but also to support and cheer on a community of warrior children.