Team Izzy_ Fighting for Hope

With heavy hearts, we are reaching out for support for a brave 10-year-old girl and her family as they face the devastating challenges of a cancer diagnosis.

Meet Isabelle “Izzy” Anderson, a vibrant 10-year-old whose laughter and kindness brighten every corner of her world. Known for her thoughtfulness, Izzy is a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, granddaughter and friend who spreads warmth and joy wherever she goes.

Izzy’s radiant spirit is a beacon of positivity. Her kindness and quick wit bring joy to everyone she meets, and she remains a source of light even in the face of the hardest challenges. Whether she’s drawing, singing, or endlessly telling funny dad jokes, Izzy has a way of making everyone around her feel seen, valued and loved. Izzy truly embodies the magic of childhood, reminding us all of the beauty in kindness and the power of a playful, innocent spirit.

One of Izzy's greatest joys is the special bond she shares with her seven-year-old brother, Jake. Together, they find comfort in their love for their pets and the closeness of family, supporting each other with an unbreakable, pure love. Izzy takes great pride in being Jake's big sister and role model. Izzy is unstoppable.

Tragically, this joyful summer took a heartbreaking turn when Izzy began experiencing hip and back pain, leading to an extended hospital stay. After weeks of uncertainty, her family received the devastating diagnosis of high-risk metastatic neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer.

Izzy’s journey ahead is daunting, requiring ongoing and intensive treatment, including aggressive chemotherapy, surgeries, a feeding tube, stem cell/bone marrow transplants, radiation, and immunotherapy at Connecticut and Boston Children’s Hospitals.

As Izzy faces months of hospital stays, both she and her family will experience significant changes. This separation will not only be challenging for Izzy, but it will also deeply impact Jake, who will feel the absence of his sister and parents during this difficult time.

Izzy's family is facing an immense financial burden. Her father, Carl, a dedicated Stop & Shop employee for over 20 years, is unable to work during this critical time. Together, he and his partner, Kara Gabriel, a Special Education Teacher at Newtown High School, are struggling to make ends meet while caring for their children, pets, household expenses and more.

The family is dealing with rising costs for daily living, travel, in-home medical supplies and the necessary accommodations to keep Izzy comfortable during her treatment. The financial burden, coupled with Izzy’s medical condition and the heartache it brings, places extraordinary pressure on the family.

This situation has turned their lives upside down. What started as a summer full of joy and dreams of middle school has become a whirlwind of hospital visits, pain, fear, and uncertainty. Each day brings new challenges for Izzy, and while her family is determined to support her with an abundance of love, they cannot do it alone.

Izzy’s fight is just beginning, but with your help, she won’t have to fight it alone. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a difference in helping Izzy receive the care she needs while giving her family support to stay by her side through every step of this journey. Please donate, share, and keep Izzy and her family in your thoughts and prayers. Together, we can help Izzy win this fight for her future. Go Team Izzy!