Sweet little Everly is only 2 years old, but her spirit has touched more hearts than most will in a lifetime. Her bright smile, her love for her stuffed bunnies, and her joyful energy have filled her family’s lives with immeasurable love. But recently, Everly’s family has been faced with a heartbreaking reality: her Neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, is progressing at an alarming rate, and the tumors in her little body are growing rapidly.
Everly’s journey has been filled with hope, love, and strength, but it’s also been fraught with unimaginable pain. Despite all the love and support surrounding her, the doctors have informed Everly’s parents, Kayla and her husband, that there are no more treatments left. The cancer is too far advanced, and the tumors continue to grow, leaving the family in an agonizing position.
Kayla shared the heartbreaking news with all of us: “I don’t even know what to say or how to process this yet, but today we met with Everly’s doctors. There is no more treatment left to do, her tumors continue to grow. They will give stem cells to her on Friday to give her as much time with us as possible, and then we will be bringing her home as soon as we can. She deserves to spend the rest of her days in our bed, where she belongs. Surrounded by her toys, baby bunnies (her stuffed bunnies), and her favorite soft blankets. They estimate she has a few weeks left on earth with us. It still does not feel real that this is our reality, especially while she is resting so peacefully right in between her daddy and I.”
Those words are the worst kind of heartbreak a parent could ever experience—the knowledge that your precious child is nearing the end of their life. But despite the heartbreaking reality of Everly’s diagnosis, her family continues to surround her with all the love, comfort, and care that they possibly can. This little girl, whose love for her stuffed bunnies and her soft blankets brought joy to everyone around her, now gets to spend her final days in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by the things she loves the most.
Kayla and her husband made the decision to bring Everly home from the hospital on Saturday. And just a day later, they celebrated her birthday. Despite the overwhelming sadness that surrounds them, the family chose to honor Everly in the best way they could—by celebrating her precious life, the love she has brought them, and the memories they will cherish forever. It was a bittersweet birthday celebration, one filled with love, tears, and an understanding that the moments they have left together are precious beyond measure.
Everly deserves every moment of peace and comfort that her family can provide, and the family is doing everything they can to make her final days as joyful and comfortable as possible. Everly’s room is filled with love, with her toys and her favorite things, and the soft embrace of her parents as they hold her close. This is where she belongs—surrounded by love and warmth, with her family by her side.
As a community, we have the privilege of standing with the Settlemyer family as they navigate this heartbreaking journey. We send all of our love, prayers, and strength to Everly and her family. There is no greater gift we can give than our unwavering support during this incredibly difficult time.
Please, continue to send love and prayers to Everly and her parents. Your support means the world to them, and every word of encouragement, every prayer, and every moment of love is helping them through these darkest days. Everly is a bright light in this world, and while her time with us may be short, the impact of her spirit, her love, and her joy will last forever in the hearts of everyone who knows her.
Everly, you are so loved. Your family will always carry you in their hearts, and we will continue to honor your beautiful, brave spirit. Thank you for sharing your love with all of us. You are a little warrior, and you will forever be our shining star.