This is a very hard post to make, especially when it involves someone you love so deeply.

My daughter, Kailisa Lynn Smith, has been diagnosed with a rare form of sarcoma cancer. About six months ago, she found a small lump on the right side of her neck. After testing, it was found to be a spindle cell neoplasm tumor.

The tumor is located next to the carotid artery and jugular vein. On Monday, September 14th, Kailisa met with an oncology surgeon, had additional scans and two MRIs, and has also undergone a biopsy.

Because of the size and type of this rare sarcoma, radiation alone is not an option. The tumor will need to be surgically removed.

The difficult part is that the tumor has made its way toward the spine and is wrapped around the vertebral artery. It is also following the nerve pathway coming from the spinal cord. At this point, we don't yet know whether it has attached itself to the spinal cord.

Our next step is an appointment with a neurosurgeon in Little Rock, Arkansas, on Monday, September 21st. We are praying that we will receive a plan and a surgery date. The surgery is expected to take place within the next couple of weeks, followed by radiation to eliminate any microscopic pieces that may be left near the spinal cord or surrounding areas.

This is going to be a very long road for Kailisa, Cory, and their two young boys.

About 10 months ago, Kailisa started her own house-cleaning business and had built it up to around 20 clients. Cory has also been attending school for the past year. Unfortunately, neither of them will be able to continue working and going to school as they have been.

They will be traveling back and forth from Horseshoe Bend to Little Rock for appointments and treatments. Once Kailisa has surgery, Cory will need a place to stay near the hospital, along with food for himself and the boys. After she is released, there will be additional travel for radiation treatments and appointments.

Depending on how the surgery goes, Kailisa could face a very difficult recovery, including the possibility of having to relearn things such as walking or talking.

With gas around $4.35 a gallon, the travel alone will become a tremendous expense, on top of hotels, meals, medical-related costs, and everything else that comes with this journey.

We are also trying to start a meal train for Kailisa and her family once she comes home from the hospital. If you would like to help with meals, please reach out to Cory Smith or me.

If you would like to help financially:

Cash App: $KailisaSmith
PayPal: Paypal.me/kailisasmith

We completely understand that not everyone is able to give financially. If all you can do is share this post and pray, that means more to us than you know.

We are asking everyone to please join us in a prayer chain for Kailisa. We believe God has this, and we believe she will be healed by His stripes. The Lord is with her as she walks through this valley, and we are holding tightly to our faith.

Please pray for Kailisa's healing, wisdom and steady hands for her doctors and surgeons, strength for Cory, comfort and protection for their boys, and strength for our entire family as we walk this road together.

Thank you for taking the time to read Kailisa's story, for sharing this post, for praying, and for standing beside our family during one of the hardest times we have ever faced.

Her story is still being written. We are praying for a miracle and believing for healing.

With love and gratitude,
The Smith Family & The Shipp Family ❤️🙏