They initially were on Robin's insurance program, which had been better. However. Robin had just changed jobs a few months before Mallory's diagnosis for a higher salary and better insurance to cover the huge medical bills they had begun to face with Mallory's little sister Samantha.

Samantha had developed asthma and severe allergies. As a stopgap, they had reverted to Stumpy's (Mallory's Dad) insurance coverage until the waiting period was over. She never got the new insurance for the children, though, as Mallory was diagnosed before the waiting period was over. Now, they will never be able to get better insurance, since both children have a pre-existing condition that will not be covered. So they are left with lots of hospital, physician, and pharmacy bills. In February 2005, Mallory spent 18 days at Kosair, unable to eat or drink, forcing her body into a state of anorexia and her mind into a state of depression. A feeding tube had to be placed into her intestines to "teach" them to work again, and they finally let them go home with the feeding tube. There have been numerous other hospital stays with low platelet or ANC counts, fevers, viruses, and drug side effects.

Robin had to take an extended leave of absence, without pay, to take care of Mallory. Her new employer has been extremely generous in trying to hold her position for her until the day comes that she can return, but no one knows how long that will be. She has taken odd jobs, such as cleaning neighbor's houses when Mallory is having a good day, but with the unpredictability of this disease, she cannot commit to anything on a regular basis. In the process of diagnosing leukemia they also found an unrelated condition, Mallory has a "tethered cord," and once she is able to go three full months without spinal taps or spinal injections she will need to have surgery for this as well.

Stumpy too has worked long hours and taken on odd extra jobs. His employer has been very supportive as well, giving him the time off her needs when Mallory's in the hospital for extended periods and misses her Dad.

They are living the nightmare that every parent fears. They celebrate the good days and try to cope with the bad ones. Life with cancer is hard enough without having the additional worry of whether you can pay the house payment or utility bill.

THIS FAMILY NEEDS HELP. Please consider buying a bracelet or some note cards, or making a straight donation, which you can do HERE.