Local girl who brightened lives of cancer patients now needs your encouragement

CASHMERE – After spreading joy to children battling cancer, 12-year-old Paelyn Lueondee, now undergoing gene therapy for a rare blood disorder, is in need of some encouragement herself.

In the spring, Paelyn teamed up with Happy Letters founder Traci Pierson to spread joy and encouragement to kids fighting cancer through a Happy Letters drive and a book drive. 

Happy Letters is a Cashmere based nonprofit that encourages children (and adults, too) to spread happiness by creating drawings and messages using their creativity to brighten the day of those in need.

The duo collected 1,700 Happy Letters and over 400 Happy Letter Book Packets, which they delivered to Seattle Children's Wenatchee Clinic, Seattle Children's, Confluence Health Pediatrics, and several local cancer care facilities.

But now, Paelyn is at Seattle Children's Hospital undergoing gene therapy to treat the blood disorder she was born with, which required her to get blood transfusions every three to four weeks since she was four years old.

"After months of anticipation, Paelyn is relieved that the treatment has finally begun," her mom, Alysa Lueondee, said. "The wait was emotionally taxing, but now the process is underway. 

“Currently, she is enduring significant side effects from the chemotherapy, which is causing her considerable pain," she said.

"We constantly remind her of the goal ahead—the prospect of being cured and free from transfusions in the near future," Alysa said. "As her caregiver, my focus is on keeping her spirits up throughout this challenging hospital stay."

As she faces the challenges of her treatment, her family is asking the community to send her letters and cards of encouragement to lift her spirits during this difficult time.

"Paelyn is facing a lot right now with the transplant procedures, struggling with side effects, and being far from home and away from family and friends," Pierson said. "She could really use some encouragement from our community." 

"She was so dedicated to spreading kindness to kids at Children's Hospital and Clinic; now it's our turn to spread kindness to Paelyn and show her how much we care," Pierson said. "Your support and encouragement will brighten Paelyn's day and will truly lift her spirits."

The inpatient portion of her treatment is about six weeks long. After discharge, she will remain in Seattle for 90 days, residing at the Ronald McDonald House to stay close to her medical team for ongoing monitoring and care.

"Paelyn was admitted to Seattle Children's Hospital on July 26th, where she received a potent chemotherapy regimen designed to eliminate her bone marrow cells," Alysa said. "Two days later, she underwent a reinfusion of her own cells, which had been modified by Bluebird Bio to become healthy and functional." 

"At this stage, our focus is on managing her pain and awaiting the arrival of these new cells in her bone marrow, where they will hopefully begin to thrive and multiply," Alysa said.

"It breaks my heart to see the struggles Paelyn faces every day, but she pushes through knowing the end result will help her to get better," Pierson said. "She is one tough girl. I am so incredibly proud of her and her family."

Alysa and her husband, Plaimanus, have been alternating weeks at the hospital to manage the emotional and physical toll of caregiving and to have time with their son, Alan. Alan, Paelyn's little brother, has struggled with feeling jealous of all the attention she is receiving.

"We're doing our best to give him extra attention and reassurance, recognizing that this situation is tough on everyone," Alysa said. "My sister, Ashley Bangs, who lives in Cashmere, has been a tremendous help with meals and looking after Alan. Additionally, my mother has come from Chicago to support Paelyn and us during her two-week visit."

To help pass the time Paelyn connects with friends through video calls and online games, and has regular visits from an art therapist and a tutor. She does gentle exercise everyday to help her physical and mental well being, Alysa said.

When she feels well enough, Paelyn likes drawing, painting, or making friendship bracelets as a creative outlet.

"Paelyn has demonstrated remarkable strength throughout this entire journey," Alysa said. "She is fully committed to her healing process, rarely expressing complaints despite the challenges she faces. Her resilience is matched by her compassionate spirit; she remains dedicated to giving back and supporting other children in need, even while navigating her own difficulties."

However, Paelyn often feels isolated and disconnected during this difficult time, especially as she faces missing the start of school with her peers.

"Letters that remind her she is missed and show that people are rooting for her would be incredibly meaningful and uplifting for her," Alysa said.

You can create a Happy Letter for Paelyn at Weeds Cafe, That Pizza Place, and the Cashmere Library, or send letters directly to her through Happy Letters to Attn: Paelyn at PO Box 201, Cashmere, WA 98815. Happy Letters will ensure all letters and cards reach Paelyn, whether she's at Children's Hospital or Ronald McDonald House, Pierson said.

Those who wish to contribute to her GoFundMe account may do so at https://gofund.me/552d9667.

Quinn Propst: 509-731-3590 or quinn@ward.media.