Josie is the sweetest, happiest girl. Constantly smiling, laughing, having a good time – her smile lights up rooms and she just radiates joy! She’s also very stubborn. She knows what she wants and will let you know too! The only time Josie gets mad is if she isn’t fed exactly when she wants to be fed. Her parents feel so lucky to have her!

Josie has two older brothers and was born a double rainbow baby – after two devastating miscarriages, her parents decided to try one more time before giving up and were blessed with their little girl and light of their lives.

At 3 months old, Josie suddenly began having unexplainable problems: she started vomiting and became extremely dehydrated, which led to a hospital stay. The following month, she contracted RSV, which turned into pneumonia, and she had to stay in the hospital for a week. A few weeks later, the entire family caught the flu. Josie became very sick, began vomiting blood, and was rushed to the ER. Her blood counts were critical, and she was immediately transferred to the ICU.

After meeting with multiple doctors, Josie’s parents had the heart-wrenching conversation about the possibility of cancer. Several weeks later, Josie was diagnosed with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML).

Just when her parents thought they could breathe for a moment, Josie had critical count levels again. She began chemotherapy immediately, and she’s been on it ever since. Each round is 28 days long, receiving two kinds of chemo the first five days and switching to one the rest of the time. She’s currently on a clinical trial for JMML lead by an Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF)-funded researcher. Now, at 1 year old, Josie has spent almost as much time in the hospital as she has at home.

Her parents hope Josie can grow up and live a long, normal life. For Josie’s sake, they hope for no long-term complications but ultimately that she’s overall happy! She is their hero because she is absolutely the most resilient, strongest, and happiest girl they’ve ever known. Despite being sick her whole life, she always has a smile on her face and a good attitude.

To others who may also be facing a childhood cancer diagnosis, Josie’s parents share that it’s a hard path to walk, but they take it one day at a time and are grateful for something every day, even if it’s something small. It’s still something that helps them through.

Josie’s family has photos from Flashes of Hope, a program of ALSF, that capture her radiance and joy. “We were blessed with the opportunity to have pictures done by Flashes of Hope! We are so grateful for these pictures,” shared Kaitlin, Josie’s mom.

The family prays that foundations like ALSF will find cures and easier treatment options for Josie and kids like her.

“Josie is a princess.” – Nolan, Josie’s brother

“Josie is the best girl in the world and I love her so much.” – Noah, Josie’s brother

Information provided by Kaitlin S., Josie’s mom
Updated July 2025