Lily Elizabeth Leyden

Lily Elizabeth Leyden was born on December 30, 2003 in Omaha, Nebraska to John and Shelly (Wilkins) Leyden. The youngest of three children, Lily lived her short life in Omaha, very much a "daddy's girl' and a beloved little sister to Lindsey and Connor. At two, Lily's right eye began to protrude. After visits to doctors and a MRI, it was found that Lily had two chloromas in her head. She underwent a brain biopsy and three weeks later, Lily was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Lily initially endured five rounds of chemo treatments, several bone marrow biopsies and countless transfusions. Through it all she was strong and accepted her situation. She adjusted her life style to a child confined to a hospital and made the most out of what she was given. During Lily's short remission, we enjoyed a summer filled with many memories. She received a Make-A-Wish trip to Disney World in May 2007. The princesses were the highlight of her trip and for us, it was fun to see her smile and be a normal three year old. Lily relapsed in July 2007 and underwent two more rounds of chemotherapy to try and achieve remission before heading to Minneapolis for a bone marrow transplant. Again she underwent more chemo, more procedures and radiation. Lily had few complications and we were hopeful she had beaten her disease. In February 2008, during routine follow-up, Lily relapsed and we were once again faced with our worst nightmare. Lily spent the next few months with many complications. The disease had taken a toll on her little body and it was evident a cure was not going to be had. As any child would, Lily wanted to be at home with her family, her toys and her new puppy, Gracie Mae. On Friday, April 25th, we granted Lily's final wish to return to the comfort of her home. Lily was accomplished in many things, art, music, dance and being a princess. She enjoyed putting her make-up on and quickly learned all of her medical terminology. She mimicked her treatment on many stuffed animals and aspired to become a doctor when she grew up. Lily touched many people's lives with her wit and humor. We would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, care partners and hospital staff that took care of Lily over the last two years. You were more than caregivers to her and us. You were friends who came to love our daughter and made her illness bearable for all of us. To our family and friends, thank you for your love and support. You made the last two years possible with your constant support, prayers, and love. Although Lily's time was far too short, she gave us all a lifetime of memories. Lily passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at her home in Omaha, surrounded by her family and friends at the age of 4 years, 3 months and 27 days. She is survived by her parents John and Shelly; sister Lindsey and brother Connor all of Omaha; grandparents Ben and Mary Wilkins of Omaha and Kim and Joan Leyden of Washington, IA; great grandmothers Florence Schumacher and Helen Leyden; aunts and uncles: Deanna Hankins, Chuck Hankins, Craig Wilkins, Bob Wilkins, and Jennifer Wilkins all of Omaha, NE; Chris and Sara Leyden of Iowa City, IA; Joel and Myndi Leyden of Winner, SD; and Nick Leyden of Washington, IA; and cousins: Kylie, Anna, Jesse, Andrew, Josh, Emilee, Joseph, Justin, Casey, Jack, Abigail, Madeline, Isabelle and Lydia.

Lily Elizabeth Leyden

December 30, 2003 - April 26, 2008