“If it takes a village to raise a healthy child, then it takes an army of compassionate cancer fighters to hold up a hurting family through kindness and generosity,” Faith’s mother, Francheska, shared passionately at An Evening of Hope in front of an incredible room of family, friends, and supporters of Compass to Care.
Faith is a vibrant and adventurous 4-year-old who, despite her battle with cancer, continues to light up the world around her. Before cancer entered their lives, Faith was a physically strong and fearless toddler, always ready for snuggles, wrestling matches, and long walks to the park with her mom and older sister, Frannie. She was full of boundless energy, eager to explore and embrace the world with her wild, adventurous spirit.
However, unfortunately, sickness eventually brought changes that no parent could prepare for. Faith began with a mild sickness that lingered and progressed to an extended abdomen and trouble breathing. After months of uncertainty and countless ER visits, Faith was finally diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia on March 10, 2023,
Francheska vividly recalls the devastation of seeing her vibrant, outgoing daughter transform. The disease didn’t just affect Faith’s health—it stole pieces of her childhood. The joyful wrestling matches, bed tosses, and warm hugs that once defined their days were replaced by pain, discomfort, and the unyielding reality of hospital stays.
“Cancer is a terrifying word, but it’s more than a word,” Francheska said. “It’s a reality that comes with a whirlwind of emotions you can’t prepare for. It changed the way we lived our lives and it changed us. Faith changed.”
Even in the toughest moments, and despite her newfound physical fragility, Faith’s indomitable spirit, infectious laughter, and tender heart were stronger than ever. Whether dressing up as a princess, enjoying wagon rides, or basking in the joy of a heartfelt compliment, Faith reminds her family—and the army of supporters rallying behind her—of the resilience and joy children bring, even when navigating a profoundly changed reality.
For Francheska though, the altered reality was much more difficult to grasp as a single mother trying to be by her daughter’s side while also paying the bills and caring for her eldest daughter Frannie. Unfortunately, cancer brought not only fear but overwhelming financial strain for the family when 10-month-long hospital stays and frequent clinic visits made work impossible. Thankfully, Compass to Care stepped in to ease part of the burden, providing 29 rides (and counting) to ensure Faith can get the care she needs.
“Never once did I have to think about our gas money or where it would come from to get to the hospital,” Francheska professed. “Compass to Care gave me financial peace of mind so I could focus on Faith.”
Today, Faith is beginning to reclaim her childhood. While she may not wrestle quite like before, she lights up in her princess gowns, loves soaking in compliments, and beams with joy during her wagon rides—letting her mom handle the heavy lifting for now.
Faith’s journey is ongoing, but her story is a testament to the power of community, compassion, and most of all, faith. Behind every resilient, strong-willed child fighting cancer is an army of supporters making it possible for them and their families to face each day with courage. As Francheska puts it best, “Compass to Care helped me get Faith better, one visit at a time.”