Thirteen

After losing an infant daughter in 2008, the last thing Scott DeBaeke wanted was to lose another. But that’s exactly what he thought might happen this summer when his daughter, Allie, 13, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Allie was born eight weeks premature and has had immune system problems her whole life. Following her diagnosis, she was moved to her grandmother’s house in Jackson County, Mich., where it was cleaner and safer. It would also allow her grandmother, Janice DeBaeke, to take care of her around the clock. Allie has struggled with trying to be a normal seventh grader. She doesn’t get to see any of her friends, and only leaves the house about once a week. A couple teachers from local schools come to help her keep up with school work. Because of her chemotherapy and medications, she has a very restricted diet. Janice makes sure Allie is eating the right foods, taking her medications, and keeping up with her homework. Allie’s mother is the breadwinner for their family and has very little contact with Allie. Her dad stops by a couple times a week to visit with her, but most of his time is spent cleaning their house so Allie can move home. After months of chemotherapy, doctors say Allie’s outlook is good. She hopes to return to school in the spring of 2013.