Introduction

Two-and-a-half-year-old Jealene Caleisha Tanjaya is currently fighting for her life at the National University Hospital, and her parents are reaching out for urgent financial assistance to cover the cost of potentially life-saving treatment.

The Diagnosis

Diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer known as Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia, Jealene's condition affects only 1 in 1,000,000 children worldwide, making her fight against this high-risk leukemia particularly heart-wrenching. Her mother, Melisa, expressed hope despite the difficulties, stating, "She is a good, strong, and cheerful girl; she always smiles even in the hardest situations. We never thought that inside her body, there were deadly cancer cells."

The Alarming Journey Begins

The alarming journey began as 2023 came to a close. Melisa and her husband noticed red spots appearing on Jealene's face whenever she cried. Initially, these spots appeared only once or twice and disappeared after a few days. However, as time went on, their terrifying frequency increased, eventually spreading across her face and body. Doctors in Jealene’s hometown of Surabaya, Indonesia, initially attributed the spots to potential allergies or benign vascular growths.

Diagnosis Confirmation

However, after seeking further investigation and a complete blood test on April 1, 2024, Jealene's nightmare was confirmed: she had leukemia, indicated by concerning blood test results showing elevated white blood cell counts and low platelet levels.

Urgent Treatment Required

Upon reaching NUH, doctors identified the severe form of leukemia affecting Jealene and urgently recommended a combination of chemotherapy and a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) as her best chance for recovery. Unfortunately, these treatments come with an estimated price tag exceeding S$330,000 (approximately USD 250,000), prompting her family to seek help through a crowdfunding campaign on Give.Asia.

Community Support

As of now, they have managed to raise around S$140,700, showing the tremendous support from the community. Melisa earnestly appealed to the public, writing, "Every single contribution will be a strength and hope for Jealene to continue her treatment and return to her cheerful life."

Current Status and Future Steps

In a recent update, Melisa announced that Jealene is set to undergo her 10th chemotherapy cycle on November 19, which will last for five agonizing days. Following this treatment, Jealene is expected to begin the bone marrow transplant process on December 5, with her father being her bone marrow donor.

Call to Action

The family is appealing not only for financial assistance but also for prayers and emotional support during this trying time. Jealene’s story is one of resilience and courage, and every bit of help can contribute to her fight against this rare and aggressive cancer. As her condition continues to evolve, the community remains hopeful for a miracle that can bring this joyful child back to her vibrant life.

Every share, donation, and prayer counts! Help make a difference in Jealene's life today!