Arlington Heights Family Facing 'Overwhelming' Medical Costs Following Leukemia Diagnosis: GoFundMe

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — With cancer treatment expected to last at least two years for their daughter, an Arlington Heights family is trying to navigate a world of "overwhelming medical bills and care costs while staying by her side."

Layla Karaisz, daughter of Gina and TJ, was recently diagnosed with sudden onset B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or B-ALL, at just 18 months old. According to a GoFundMe campaign set up by family friends, Layla has already undergone blood and platelet transfusions and began intensive chemotherapy this week.

"To know Layla, Gina, and TJ is to love them. ... This is an incredibly difficult and emotional time as they navigate life with childhood cancer," the campaign reads. "We know Layla will fight this illness and grow up to be a vibrant, healthy girl as our brave childhood cancer survivor."

As of Friday morning, the GoFundMe has raised $35,000 of a $45,000 goal.

According to the campaign, Layla was attending daycare and seemed no different from any other toddler there. That all changed earlier this week when her parents noticed something wasn't quite right with her and thankfully sought out medical attention.

After running a blood test, it was determined that her white blood cell count reached a dangerous level, and she was immediately admitted to the emergency room and Pediatric ICU for a blood transfusion followed by a platelet transfusion.

"These transfusions and current medical treatment are critical to stabilize her for the scheduled bone marrow and spinal tap biopsies to assess the spread of the disease," the campaign reads.

Layla will remain hospitalized for a few more weeks following her first chemotherapy session Friday. Her prognosis is hopeful as 90 percent of children with B-ALL go into full remission after their five-year scan. The earlier it is diagnosed and treated, the more promising the prognosis, according to the GoFundMe.

The funds raised by the campaign will help Gina and TJ with Layla's hospital bills, her therapies, and medications related to her battle with leukemia.

To learn more and make a donation, visit the GoFundMe here.