LITTLE BOZ

Sparking Hope in Every Little Heart

At WWW.LittleBOZ.ORG Foundation, we believe every child’s story matters. Some stories are filled with joy, others with challenges, but the most powerful ones remind us what strength, love, and faith truly look like.

This is Kayleana’s story.
A Life Changed Overnight
Deanna is a devoted mother of three: Kayleana, Kristian, and Jamere. Her children are her entire world. On September 19, 2024, just one day before Kayleana’s 8th birthday, their lives changed forever. Kayleana was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain cancer known as High-Grade Glioma, a grade 4 tumor. These tumors are fast growing, with very limited treatment options and a devastating prognosis.
In a single moment, everything shifted.

A Mother’s Sacrifice
Within just two weeks of the diagnosis, Deanna made life altering decisions to fight for her daughter. She left her job. She placed all of her belongings into storage.
She relocated to be closer to the hospital so Kayleana could begin six weeks of radiation treatment, Monday through Friday. Without reliable transportation and facing a two hour commute, staying was not an option. She moved to Texas alone with her three children, without family support. Her only focus was making sure Kayleana received the best care possible.

A Journey Without Stability
Since that moment, life has been anything but stable. Over the past year and a half, Deanna and her children have moved nine times, living between palliative care homes and hotels. Maintaining a job became nearly impossible, as Kayleana’s condition required constant attention and care. Every decision and every moment revolves around her daughter. Despite treatments and relentless effort, the cancer returned three times, each time more aggressive than before. Still, they continue to fight.

Choosing Faith Through Uncertainty
After considering relocating back to Iowa for family support, Deanna made another difficult decision. She stayed in Texas, believing it is where Kayleana could receive the best care. The past months have been incredibly difficult. Hospital visits, treatment setbacks, and increasing pain have become part of daily life. On January 3, 2026, Kayleana was placed on hospice care after doctors confirmed the cancer had spread to her brain and spine. Medically, there were no more options. But Deanna chose to hold on to something stronger than fear. She chose faith.

Deanna’s Testimony (In Her Own Words)
The following message is shared directly from Deanna:
“I am a firm believer that God will not take His hands off my baby. She is a walking miracle and she will have a testimony to tell. I am committed to showing up, praying, and believing, even when the circumstances around me do not look finished. God is my source, my strength, and the reason I do not give up. Even when my prayers feel like whispers, I trust that He hears the things I do not have words for and sees the hope I refuse to let go of. I choose to let my words agree with heaven rather than my circumstances. I will not wait for proof to praise or clarity to trust. I speak life over my Kayle, peace over my process, and hope over every unanswered question. I move forward confident that God honors faith spoken out loud, trusting that what I speak in faith today will become my testimony tomorrow.”

Why This Story Matters
Kayleana’s story is not just about illness. It is about a mother’s unconditional love, a child’s unimaginable strength and faith that refuses to break under pressure. Families like Deanna’s are facing battles no one should have to fight alone. Their journey reflects the reality many families endure when a child is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.

How You Can Help
At WWW.LittleBOZ.ORG Foundation, our mission is to support families like Deanna’s, emotionally, financially, and through community. You can be part of this mission. Here is how you can help;
Keep Kayleana and her family in your prayers
Share this story to raise awareness
Support our foundation’s efforts to help families in need

Together, we can continue Sparking Hope in Every Little Heart.