Latest update as of May 31, 2025

  • 5 months in New york....

    It's been awhile since I have posted an update and alot has happened. In the last 5 months Zara and John have been up in New York and I have been home with our other 4. Being apart is so so hard for everyone. They got to come home for the first time in May for two weeks and it flew by. We got some much needed family time in but I feel like as soon as they were fully unpacked and settled it was time to pack them right back up.
    Zara was complaining of leg pain in florida and stopped putting weight on the right leg the last 2 days home only to discover that she has a broken tibia which was broken from New disease. Not the best news to hear of new disease while in active treatment. Her cancer has what is called the mycn amplification which basically means it's the fastest spreading, most aggressive and one of the worst prognostic factors with the highest relapse rate..
    John and Zara remain in NY where the team is changing her treatment plan. They originally were supposed to be able to come home again for 2 weeks in June now with this disease progression that likely won't be happening.
    Its hard to stay strong and stay positive when huge pieces of my heart are so far away.

    I also had to quit my job this month. When I ran out of maternity leave ran out in February, I took an unpaid leave of absence but my job would not extend that past May 1st and without someone to watch the kids, working full time just isn't an option. They unfortunately would not allow me to drop to part time either so I had to make the tough choice to just trust that God will provide as He always has and leave my job.
    My family and kids come first.
    This fundraiser has been a blessing to our family. It's helped pay the bills every month for our home and also food and transportation for John and Zara while in New york and home and back.
    We are hopeful to get to a place in her treatment where they get to comemhome every month for 2 weeks so the fundraiser will continue to help us with the cost of travel to and from treatments and supporting our family while we are divided.

    This journey is so hard... my heart aches for not just my own kids and family but every child and family living this... we want her home and healed but for now she is getting the best care and treatments she needs. MSK is one of the best hospitals to treat high risk neuroblastoma, so for now, we push on.
    Please continue to pray for our family. Pray for strength for John and I please. And for zaras healing.
    We know miracles can happen and know God is with her through this and for that we are beyond grateful.
    Thank you all for your support and love!!

    5 months in New york....

About this fundraiser

Meet Zara: A Brave 3-Year-Old Fighting Stage 4 Neuroblastoma

Zara is a sweet, energetic 3-year-old girl who brings joy to everyone around her. She has three sisters who adore her, and is eagerly awaiting the arrival of another baby sister due on November 26th. But in the span of just a few weeks, Zara’s life has been turned upside down. She went from being bright and healthy to not being able to sit up or walk within just three weeks. That’s how quickly the disease has progressed.

Zara was recently diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that has spread throughout her body. The rapid progression of her illness has left her parents, Ellyssa and John, facing overwhelming challenges. Ellyssa has been unable to work while staying by Zara’s side, and John has been caring for the girls full time, unable to work as well. Their focus is entirely on supporting Zara, which has made it incredibly difficult to manage the financial burden of medical bills, groceries, and the daily commute to and from the hospital.

As Zara begins her treatment in the coming weeks, the family is in need of support. Your donations will go directly toward easing their financial stress, helping to cover expenses so they can focus on what matters most — being there for Zara and her sisters during this incredibly difficult time. 

Ellyssa and John ask for all the prayers at this time that she will be lifted up for healing 🫶🏼

Here is the link for their meal train if you’d like to send a gift card, send a meal or drop off a meal to the family.

 https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/773822

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Organized by

Shelbi Strobl

Melbourne, FL, USA

Organizer
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This fundraiser will directly support

ELLYSSA QUAVE

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Beneficiary