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Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
I'm Christina Lail, the creator behind Palm Avenue Jewelry. In early 2023, I embarked on a journey to blend my faith and creativity into meaningful jewelry designs. My vision was to craft adornments that would not only showcase one's faith but also spread the uplifting message of Jesus Christ to women everywhere. I aimed to have Palm Avenue ready for launch by the fall of 2023.
However, on July 28th, 2023, my plans took an unexpected turn. It was my daughter's birthday, and we visited the doctor due to her pale complexion, which followed a bout of strep throat. While her pediatrician initially thought her overall health was good, a finger poke for quick blood work revealed severely low hemoglobin levels. With a sense of urgency, we were directed to the local children's hospital.
My husband and I rushed to the emergency room with our children. Providentially, the usually crowded lobby was clear, expediting our triage. Our three-year-old received an IV, and as we waited anxiously for updates, my husband left with our youngest to grab some McDonald's down the street. It was during this brief moment alone with my daughter that the doctor delivered the devastating news – her results pointed to Leukemia, and oncology was further assessing her blood samples. I felt my world shatter. My angel, my baby girl – how was this even possible?
When my husband returned, the tears flowed. The joyous birthday weekend we had planned was abruptly taken from us by this cruel disease. We prepared for a few days in the hospital, but little did we know we would spend an entire month there.
On July 31st, our daughter was diagnosed with Pre-B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. With unwavering faith in God and our strongest warrior by our side, we were determined to confront this cancer head-on. Our hospital stay brought numerous complications, but our faith remained steadfast. We found solace in small victories throughout the day.
During our time at the hospital, we encountered many other children facing the toughest challenges of their lives. Their resilience, smiles, and innocence amidst adversity were both incredible and heart-wrenching to witness. We, as parents, formed a close-knit community, sharing experiences and support.
I leaned heavily on my friends, family, church, prayers, and most importantly, God. Without Him, how could we navigate this arduous journey? We felt the power of prayers lifting us up when we needed them most, and His presence filled the room when we prayed. We firmly believe that God does not make mistakes and has a purpose for each of us, even in our darkest hours. Surrendering our plans, we trust in His divine will.
In this time of deep reflection, I realized I had to share His word and support parents enduring similar situations. I was called to use my creative designs, my voice, and my faith to inspire and provide hope to families who may have lost their way.
Furthermore, it's my mission to raise awareness about childhood cancers. Together, we can overcome this challenge. No child should be denied the opportunity to ring the victory bell. Therefore, a portion of all profits from Palm Avenue will be dedicated to these missions.
We recognize that we have a long road ahead of us, but we are not alone. Thank you for standing with us on this journey.
Warmly, Christina Lail