This is our good friend Lealand, a sweet, brave little boy who has been fighting for his life since he was diagnosed with Stage 4 High-Risk Neuroblastoma in September of last year. Neuroblastoma is an aggressive cancer that affects children, and for the past several months, Lealand has shown incredible strength as he has battled this disease. But now, we come to you with an urgent prayer request for him and his family.
Lealand’s journey has been one filled with both hope and heartache. When he first began treatment, his family was told that the road ahead would be long, difficult, and filled with uncertainty. In April, there was a glimmer of hope when Lealand had a scan that showed shrinkage in his tumors. The news brought a sense of relief and optimism, and for a brief moment, it felt like the fight was turning in his favor. His family began to believe that they might have the chance to see Lealand grow, thrive, and live the life he deserved.
But in June, everything changed. Taryn Hensley, Lealand’s mother, shared the heartbreaking news: “Our world came crashing down today as we were told the tumor in his head has grown, and there is also a new spot as well.” Those words have echoed through their family, and they have now come face to face with the devastating reality that the cancer is not only continuing to spread, but it’s also growing stronger.
Lealand now has four tumors on his major organs: his brain, lungs, liver, and kidneys. This is an unimaginable burden for such a young child to bear, and his parents, Taryn and James, are understandably struggling. Taryn, in an emotional moment, shared her feelings: “I feel hopeless for failing you knowing there is nothing I can do to take this away & guarantee that you will grow up to be happy, healthy & safe.” As any parent would feel, the crushing weight of this reality is overwhelming. Watching your child suffer without the ability to remove the pain or guarantee a future is a burden no one should have to endure.
Now, Lealand’s family faces the unimaginable decision: should they continue with the current treatment plan, knowing it may no longer be effective, or should they explore other options, including the possibility of transferring his care in search of a miracle treatment? It’s a choice no parent should have to make, and yet, Taryn and James are left grappling with this agonizing decision every day. The uncertainty of what lies ahead is heart-wrenching, and all they can do is hold on to each other and continue to search for hope, no matter how small.
This is where we need your support. We are asking you to join us in praying for Lealand. He has already shown immense courage in his fight, but he needs the strength of all of us—his family, friends, and even strangers who believe in the power of prayer and love. Lealand’s fight is far from over, but the path ahead seems so uncertain. His family needs our prayers for guidance as they make the best decisions for his care, for healing, and for a miracle to turn the tide in his favor.
We are praying for strength for Lealand, for comfort for his family, and for wisdom for the doctors and medical team caring for him. We pray for peace for Taryn and James, that they may find the strength to keep going even when the road is incredibly difficult. We pray that, despite the heartache and the fear, they may feel the love and support of everyone around them as they navigate this challenging and heartbreaking journey.
Lealand has already fought so hard, and he continues to fight with everything he has. His spirit and strength have inspired everyone who has crossed his path, and now it is time for us to show him the same strength and love in return. As a community, we can help lift his family up with our prayers, support, and encouragement. The more people who come together in prayer, the stronger we become in hope. We believe that miracles can happen, and with the power of faith, we can send that positive energy to Lealand and his family.
Please, take a moment to pray for Lealand, his parents, and his entire family. Pray for healing, for strength, and for the kind of miracle that will give this beautiful child a chance to continue fighting and thriving. Every prayer counts, and every ounce of support matters.
If you’re able, please consider donating to Lealand’s family as they navigate the financial and emotional burden of this fight. The medical expenses, travel costs, and treatments are overwhelming, but together, we can ease some of that burden. Every dollar helps bring Lealand closer to the care he needs.
Thank you for reading, for caring, and for praying. Your support means more than words can express. Let’s come together as a community to support Lealand and his family in their time of need. Together, we can give him the strength and hope to continue his fight.
