One of our newest Compass to Care families is from Texas. Zoe just celebrated a birthday this month turning 4 years old. She is from a family of five and enjoys swimming, playing outside, and “being a princess!” Zoe’s upbeat personality shines through and her smile is contagious.

In early 2021, she was diagnosed with Leukemia. Zoe and her mom, Heather, make the two and a half hour drive each way from their hometown to Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. “It’s an all-day thing every time we go. The time it takes is the most challenging part about traveling to treatment. We gather snacks and toys the night before and get plenty of rest.” Early this year, Zoe got connected with Compass to Care to help assist with the long-distance commutes through the hospital social worker. They utilize our Access to Life Program, which provides payment for gas and parking expenses. Mom also shares, “it feels good to have relief of not having to worry about money to get to an appointment.”

Heather wants to remind other parents who are going through a similar path with a childhood cancer diagnosis to, “take it one day at a time and don’t be so hard on yourself about the diagnosis.” Heather is mindful to celebrate every milestone with Zoe and her other children. Mom is making a video diary for Zoe. “When she’s 16, I’m going to give it to her to show her everything she’s been through in (16 years) of life.” These moments, like the celebration of Zoe’s 4^th birthday, are heartfelt and will highlight Zoe’s bravery.

Happy Birthday to Zoe, our newest Compass to Care princess!