I am supposed to disclose when I receive “payment” for a post, so I am disclosing that I received an Auntie Annie’s pretzel in exchange for this post (which I would have done for free because it is a passion of mine!)

I am rallying in support of a “Mini But Mighty” hero child who has fought or is currently battling cancer. For sharing this post –
will donate $50 in my name to
to help fund one hour of research to fight against childhood cancer.

If you have been following Life as Leels since September of last year, you know that childhood cancer is a big passion of mine.

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness month. Last year, I blogged to the
about their players wearing gold in September since they were pink in October.

Each day in September I shared something about childhood cancer.

If you can’t tell, it is important to me.

Today, I want to introduce you to

Kayli was 8 years old when she was diagnosed with cancer. During a well child check up, the doctor felt a large mass in her abdomen and was diagnosed with ganglioneuroblastoma. The tumor was the size of a grapefruit and they were able to resect all of it. For the following four and one half years, she continued scans and tests to monitor her tumor.

Almost five years after diagnosis, she had another tumor grow, which required removal again.

Another year later, she had 3 tumors come back at once. More surgery, but a complete tumor resection this time. She then began chemotherapy, which her body did not tolerate well at all. She had to end her chemo early due to her body’s inability to handle more and then completed 16 radiation treatments.

In September 2012, we received word that Kayli’s cancer was back for the fourth time. The cancer is spreading and is not only in her spine and back, but in her shoulder and hip as well. It is determined to be Stage 4.

Kayli is almost 19 and has battled her disease for over 10 years. She has opted to try and slow her disease to grant her quality of health with whatever time that she has. She wants to make the most of her days and is fighting hard to prevail against her disease.

How Can You Help?

Since partnering in September 2011,
stores have raised more than one million dollars for childhood cancer research. But the fight is far from over – and we need your support!

This summer, our goal is to find cures for children who are in the mighty fight of their life against cancer. How can you help? By donating, you’re helping
fund potentially life-saving cancer research.

Here is what your donation could fund:

$5: Supports Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation one cup at a time

$15: Provides a gas card to help a family drive to a hospital for treatment

$25: Funds a half hour of childhood cancer research

$50: Funds one hour of childhood cancer research

$100: Enables a family to reside at a nearby hotel so they can stay close to their child receiving treatment

$400: Funds one day of childhood cancer research

If we reach our goal of $35,000, we will help fund 700 hours of childhood cancer research! In appreciation of your donation, Auntie Anne’s will email all donors a $1 off coupon, valid at participating U.S. stores, within 7-10 days after your contribution.

We also believe a small donation goes a mighty long way.

For every time you share this campaign, Auntie Anne’s, Inc. will also donate $0.25 towards childhood cancer research.

You can
.

Want to get more involved? Raise money by hosting a lemonade stand with your kids! To get started, request a free fundraising kit from
.

What will you do to help fund Childhood Cancer this year?