November 11, 2024 is the day my life changed forever. My sweet baby sister lost her battle to Leukemia after fighting since March 3, 2021. There were truly so many ups and downs throughout her fight that have shown me no one will ever be as strong, dedicated, or loving as she is.

Naimlynne taught me what it meant to truly love someone. Throughout every battle she faced in the hospital and at home, Naimlynne still wanted to be present in all of her siblings’ lives. She would come to our soccer games after treatment and always call while she was in the hospital. Despite everything she had to handle, she still prioritized her family.

In 2022, I moved to college 18 hours away. While I was at college, we would talk all the time. We were constantly sending each other Snapchats, Tik Toks, and on FaceTime together. Every time we talked, she would tell me how proud she is of me for living out my dream. All I wanted was for her to beat cancer so she could live out her dreams with me.

In January 2024, Naimlynne’s treatment became more intense. She received a bone marrow transplant from our other sister, Iasiah. Because of this, she was required to stay at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for 6 months. During this stay at CHOP, she had to be transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit, where she truly beat every card she was dealt. Naimlynne was able to come home in June 2024, but she soon returned to the hospital in July 2024. I made the decision to stay at the hospital with my mom and sister, so I could be there to support both of them.

On November 6th, the doctors found a brain bleed on her CT scan. Despite what the doctors said, my baby sister fought 5 hard and long days before she went to be with the Lord. Naimlynne always promised me that she would fight her hardest and she would never give up. That is exactly what she did. That day, I promised my sister that I would always do everything for her. I would go on to accomplish my dreams and make her proud.

My sister loved sloths. She had one in particular that was her favorite, Dangler. Not only is Dangler present in our photo, but his “friends” are, too. More now than ever, I see sloths in my day-to-day life. A simple reminder that she is always with me and always will be.

When I saw an internship position available with PCFLV, I knew I had to apply. PCFLV has helped my family so much during her treatment and continues to support my family in our bereavement. I knew I had to be a part of an organization that helps children just like Naimlynne. I wanted to help make a difference in the lives of pediatric cancer warriors.

Written by Naimlynne’s sister and PCFLV Summer 2025 Intern, Iceis

Please consider helping children with cancer and others in our community by scheduling a blood donation at Miller-Keystone Blood Center: https://donor.giveapint.org/donor/schedules/zip