Help Penelope Yungblut in her fight with Cancer!!

Co-organized

Brad Kuchma and 2 others are organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Jeff Yungblut and Paula Churchill.

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Hello and thank you for visiting our GoFundMe page. We are raising funds to help four-year-old Penelope Yungblut as she bravely fights her battle with Neuroblastoma Cancer. Please read below and follow along as we share Penelope's story.

Penelope needs your help in her fight with high-risk Neuroblastoma

If you’ve ever had the privilege of meeting Penelope, you’ve experienced her beautiful soul first-hand. She’s a vibrant, loving 4-year-old with an infectious smile, a laugh that sparkles with joy, and a heart full of generosity. Her kindness lights up every room, and she has an extraordinary bond with her 8-year-old brother, Asher, who she lovingly calls her best friend and "little sweet heart." Together, they bring joy and laughter to everyone around them.

But now, Penelope is facing the toughest battle of her young life. On January 20, 2025, she was diagnosed with high-risk Neuroblastoma, an aggressive and rare cancer that has spread to her bones and organs.

The treatment plan Penelope must undergo is also aggressive, to match the severity of her cancer. This is not an ordinary treatment plan — it is a comprehensive and grueling approach necessary to give her the best chance at survival. Over the next year, Penelope will endure some or all of the following treatments:

Chemotherapy: to shrink the tumors and slow the cancer’s spread.
Surgery: to remove cancer-affected areas.
Radiation Therapy: to destroy remaining cancer cells and reduce recurrence.
High-Intensity Chemotherapy with Stem Cell Recovery: a procedure where healthy stem cells are transplanted to rebuild her body’s defenses after powerful treatments.
Immunotherapy: designed to boost her immune system so it can better fight the cancer.
MIBG Therapy: a specialized, cutting-edge treatment that uses targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues.

These treatments will take place mainly in London Children’s Hospital but may require travel to other hospitals such as Sick Kids in Toronto. Penelope’s journey will be long, challenging, and critical to her survival.

The Family’s Challenge

While Penelope is receiving care, the financial burden on her family is overwhelming. OHIP and insurance will cover some costs, but many critical expenses are not included, such as:

Travel and lodging for months of out-of-town treatments
Outpatient therapies, aids, and some medications
Specialized treatment at other hospital if necessary
Child care and support for Asher during extended travel

Paula has taken an unpaid leave from work to be by Penelope’s side full-time, while Jeff is balancing the demands of work with the urgent need to be present for his daughter’s care. As Penelope’s treatment continues, Jeff will need to take additional time off beyond his available vacation time. Navigating this intense and uncertain journey will be incredibly difficult, but they remain deeply grateful for every bit of support they receive. The outpouring of love and generosity from friends, family, and the community has been a profound source of strength and hope during this unimaginably challenging time.

How You Can Help

Your support will make a real difference, allowing Penelope and her family to focus on her recovery without the added stress of financial worry. Donations will go toward:

Covering travel and accommodation expenses
Funding vital therapies not covered by insurance
Supporting day-to-day costs during Penelope’s treatments

Every contribution counts, and your generosity brings hope and relief to this courageous family.

Endless Gratitude

The family cannot express enough how much your support means to them. Every donation, every share of Penelope’s story, and every kind word or prayer is a gift that lightens their burden and reminds them they are not alone. Paula, Jeff, Asher, and Penelope are profoundly appreciative of the love and kindness being shown to them and will forever be grateful for the community rallying around them in this fight.

Join Us in Fighting for Penelope

Penelope is fighting for her life, and she needs her village now more than ever. By donating or sharing her story, you become part of her journey to healing and hope.

Together, we can give Penelope the chance to beat this aggressive cancer and live the bright, beautiful life she deserves.

Thank you for taking the time to read Penelope's story. It truly means the world to all who have come to know & love her in her short 4 years with us.