In a heartwarming display of resilience, the Starnes family of Springfield has transformed a personal battle with childhood cancer into a community movement, raising funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in honor of their daughter, Lydia, who’s battle with leukemia began at age eleven.

Now 15, Lydia’s journey began in 2020 when she experienced persistent symptoms that could not initially be diagnosed. After numerous visits to doctors, a series of blood tests at Vanderbilt Hospital in December of 2020 revealed the heartbreaking truth: Lydia had leukemia.

Lydia’s father, Phil Starnes, explains what happened next.

“I got a call from our pediatrician that afternoon asking us to bring her back that day to discuss treatment,” says Phil. “Her doctors initially thought that the type of leukemia she had might be possible to treat with a drug taken in the form of a pill. But while we were sitting in the room, the doctor got a phone call, came back and said, ‘I'm very sorry, it's not exactly what we thought it was. It's much more aggressive and we’re going to begin treatment tomorrow.’”

Lydia’s official diagnosis was Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) in blast crisis, also known as the acute phase or blast transformation, when the disease transforms from the more chronic to the acute phase.

While the news was devastating, Lydia’s family quickly rallied around her, providing love and support as she began a series of treatments that included chemotherapy, radiation and, eventually, a bone marrow transplant. Further complicating matters was the fact that Lydia was diagnosed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Phil describes the protocols.

“For a time, only her mother was allowed in the room,” he explains. “We had to get an exemption for me to even be in the hospital room at that time and her siblings couldn't come and visit. It was difficult, so when she was able to walk, we'd walk her down and they would see her from the window.”

Chemotherapy and radiation treatments were followed by a successful bone marrow transplant in March 2021 with bone marrow donated by Lydia’s older sister, Kaleigh, who proved to be a perfect match.

“Since then, every check-up she’s had has been good news,” says Phil. “As of now, there are no signs of cancer.”

While undergoing treatment, Lydia was introduced to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, her family was granted a trip to Hawaii in 2022.

This experience sparked Lydia’s desire to give back, motivating her to organize fundraising events for Make-A-Wish.

“The hospital referred us to Make-A-Wish, and in March 2022 they sent us to Hawaii. It really meant so much to us as a family,” Phil says.

Inspired by the desire to give back to the organization that had given them so much, in September, which is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Lydia and her family organized a fundraiser at South Haven Christian School in Springfield. The initiative involved spirit wear days where students paid to wear casual clothing instead of uniforms, along with other donation opportunities. Their efforts paid off, with the school community raising over $1,600 for Make-A-Wish.

The fundraiser was Lydia’s concept, driven by her own experience and a desire to raise awareness and support other children battling cancer.

“She was very persistent in asking us to help organize this because she wanted to help other kids who are going through tough times like she did,” says Phil.

The Starnes family hopes to continue their fundraising efforts annually, aiming to increase contributions each year.

“We've been throwing around some different ideas and we'd love to see the amount raised double each year. That's kind of our goal,” expresses Phil of the entire family’s commitment to a cause so near and dear to their hearts.

Lydia's spirit and the support of her family and community have not only provided a beacon of hope for her own recovery but have also illuminated the path for others facing similar challenges. As she continues to thrive post-treatment, the Starnes family stands as a testament to the power of love, resilience, and community support.

For those wishing to support Lydia's mission or learn more about childhood cancer, donations can be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Lydia’s story is a beautiful reminder of how one person’s journey can inspire many to make a difference.