By Andrea Vasquez
Navigating receiving the news and caring for his child with a rare type of leukemia has not been easy for James “Buddy” Lawver, resident of Edgewood.
In August 2024, Illiana Hope was diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL), as well as the “Philadelphia Chromosome”, which makes her treatment-resistant.
“The extreme treatment plan has threatened her life on multiple occasions with the side effects,” Lawver has emotionally shared via social media.
This type of leukemia, along with the Philadelphia Chromosome, is treatment-resistant due to a genetic mutation that makes leukemia cells grow uncontrollably and is more challenging to treat with standard chemotherapy.
Buddy Lawver has since then accompanied his daughter in every step of the way but has encountered many difficulties doing so.
He is not only a single parent, but he has also been unable to work since December of last year due to his Iliana’s critical condition.
They both have had to relocate to Denver for Illiana to receive the specialized treatment she needs.
To help the family, Ian Lowe created a GiveSendGo campaign to support Buddy’s living expenses, which include rent, gas and food.
With his savings nearly depleted by early April 2025, this fundraising campaign is intended to help him as he has been the sole caregiver of Iliana through this difficult journey.
This financial assistance would allow him to remain by Illiana’s side during her treatment.
As of April 7, the campaign has raised over $2,000 with the help of contributions from donors who have expressed their support and offered prayers for the family.