‘From Diagnosis to Miracle Cure: Mom Shares Daughter’s Journey With Cancer at St. Jude’

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) -

Tickets for this year's St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway are now available. By purchasing a $100 ticket, your contribution will directly support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and assist families such as LaChaka and Alana.

On July 17, 2018, I marked what became the worst day of my life," stated LaChaka. "My child seemed perfectly fine to me. There were no issues at all. She was very lively.

When LaChaka's daughter Alana was just 6 years old, she was quite curious and got involved in many things around her.

"She used to be a Girl Scout back then. She participated in swimming activities. Additionally, she joined dance classes where she learned ballet, jazz, and tap. Overall, she led a very typical life," stated LaChaka.

LaChaka mentions that Alana began experiencing back pain; however, what really worried LaChaka was Alana’s reaction when her mother called out her name.

"I told Alana, 'Um, where are your shoes, sweetie?' " she recounted. LaChaka remembered Alana responding with, "'I'll get them, Mommy.'" Adding, "Then I said okay." However, when LaChaka called out to her again, Alana did not simply glance back; instead, she rotated completely towards her mother.

She says she tried again, calling Alana’s name.

"She moved in the opposite direction. She never glanced back. That’s when I started to think, something must be up," stated LaChaka.

LaChaka mentioned that she requested Alana to tilt her head from side to side, followed by moving it downward and upward. However, LaChaka noted that Alana was unable to move her head at all.

So, I used just two of my fingers; I didn't apply pressure at all—just lightly placed them on her forehead," recalled LaChaka. "The moment I made contact with her forehead, she began crying out. She told me, 'Mommy, it’s going to hurt really badly,'

However, on that July day in 2018, an MRI transformed their lives indefinitely. The neurosurgeon entered to inform her that her daughter had been diagnosed with cancer—Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma—that had spread extensively throughout her body. Following this news, they were directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, located less than half an hour away from their home.

"I've always been aware of the existence of this place, but it wasn't until it became an integral part of our family and routine that I realized the significant impact this hospital has had on the world. The contributions they made to our lives are truly astounding when you think about them," stated LaChaka.

Alana underwent six cycles of rigorous chemotherapy without costing LaChaka anything. Funds collected from initiatives such as the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway are utilized to ensure that no parent needs to fret over expenses related to food, transportation, lodging, or medical treatments.

"My sole responsibility was taking care of her. I didn't have to concern myself with making ends meet or figuring out daily transportation," stated LaChaka.

Now, seven years later, Alana has returned to being the energetic girl she was before her diagnosis.

"She plays the piano. She also enjoys playing golf and volleyball. Additionally, she participates in the church choir and joins several clubs at her school. Therefore, she leads a full and vibrant life, just as we always wished for her," stated LaChaka. "There were numerous instances when I cried uncontrollably for about 29 minutes. Sometimes, these tears flowed all the way from our home to St. Jude. However, ultimately, I realized that St. Jude had an important mission: to heal her. They accomplished this task perfectly,” she added.

To purchase your ticket for this year’s St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway for $100, click here. here .