Alyssa Liston, a spirited five-year-old from Stockton, is currently enduring the tremendous challenges of Ewing Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer. Diagnosed just weeks before Christmas last year, Alyssa's future became abruptly uncertain, as her diagnosis has set her family on a difficult emotional and financial rollercoaster.
Her father, Gavin Linton, spoke candidly about the toll the diagnosis has taken on their lives. "This diagnosis has turned our world upside down, and we are facing an incredibly difficult and emotionaljourney as Alyssa gets through her treatment," he said, emphasizing the immense strain on their family. He describes his daughter as the most "beautiful, brave, fierce and loving little girl" whose radiant spirit shines strong even through adversity.
Alyssa's treatment plan is both extensive and intense. It involves multiple rounds of chemotherapy along with significant surgical intervention. Particularly challenging is the 12-hour surgery scheduled for May 14, during which doctors will remove the cancerous bone from her arm and replace it with bone taken from her leg. This procedure will necessitate physical adaptations like using a wheelchair during her recovery phase, which is expected to be lengthy and impactful.
Despite the gravity of her situation, Alyssa continues to approach her treatment with remarkable resilience, often inspiring those around her. "Our little five-year-old should never have to go through anything like this... but as you can see, her smile never fades," Gavin expressed, reiteratively highlighting Alyssa's inherent bravery.
Yet, the financial burden of Alyssa's medical needs is already weighing heavily on her family. Gavin pointed out, "With tremendous strain on our family not only emotionally, but financially too, we are also facing unexpected costs such as travel to and from hospital appointments." This struggle prompted the Linton family to launch a GoFundMe campaign, aiming to alleviate some of the mounting medical expenses associated with Alyssa’s treatment.
The GoFundMe initiative not only provides financial support, but it also showcases the significant community backing around Alyssa. The Linton family has been deeply appreciative of the outpouring of love and support they have received, particularly from their local community and Alyssa's school, Tilery Primary School. Gavin stated, "We as a family appreciate all the love and support to our daughter... Their generosity means so much to us and Alyssa, and we cannot express enough how deeply we appreciate the kindness. The support has the power to make a real difference in our lives, bringing hope, relief, and the help we truly need."
To help alleviate the financial pressures and contribute to Alyssa’s continued care, community members and supporters can donate through their GoFundMe page. The Linton family’s case highlights the challenges faced by families dealing with pediatric cancer—a struggle compounded by the emotional and financial weight of treatment.
Nonetheless, as Alyssa’s story shows, bravery and hope can flourish even amid adversity. The love surrounding her offers not just moral support, but also tangible assistance toward her recovery as she continues to inspire everyone around her.