Dear Family and Friends,
Happy birthday to my precious Summer. This day never gets any easier. I’m heartbroken that she is not here with us, but I find comfort in knowing that her vision and bright spirit continue to make a difference in the lives of kids battling cancer.
During her own fight with cancer, Summer realized just how much kids with cancer need each other. That’s why she started Team Summer—a program that has now connected hundreds of kids across the country, giving them strength, support, and friendship when they need it most.
Kids like 4-year-old Greenleigh.
In July 2023, Greenleigh began complaining of leg pain. She was an active little girl, always running around with her neighborhood friends, so her parents initially thought it was just growing pains. Then she developed a low-grade fever. When the pain and fever persisted, her parents became alarmed and took her to the ER. Doctors there suspected something serious and immediately transferred her by ambulance to the children’s hospital.
That’s where Greenleigh and her family got the devastating diagnosis — she had leukemia. Treatment began immediately. The next week was a blur of transfusions, a biopsy, and chemotherapy.
Then came even more difficult news. Greenleigh had a very rare and high-risk form of leukemia…especially for someone her age. That meant her chemotherapy regimen would need to be much more aggressive, leading to grueling side effects. And she would need to be in treatment for at least two and a half years. Starting preschool, something she had been so excited about, was off the table.
Now, a year and a half later, Greenleigh has managed to start kindergarten while still continuing her treatments. But it’s been tough. She feels behind compared to her classmates, and without any hair, she feels different. And when you’re a kid, feeling different can be really hard.
That’s when Team Summer kid Colton stepped in.
Remember him? He recently got a guitar as his Team Summer gift. As soon as Colton became a Team Summer kid, he knew exactly who he wanted to nominate — Greenleigh. He had met her at a cancer retreat, and they had formed a special bond. He knew how scared and isolated she was feeling—and he wanted to help.
Colton surprised Greenleigh, now 5 years old, on a Zoom call. She was thrilled to see him but had no idea what was about to happen. Behind the scenes, Colton and Team Summer had been working on a special surprise for her!
Colton had picked out the perfect gift—an unforgettable day at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN, to experience their spectacular winter-themed event, ICE! Greenleigh had been dreaming of going—sledding, skating, and doing all the fun winter activities that aren’t common in Tennessee. She had been begging her parents to take her for weeks!
A few days after the Zoom call, Greenleigh and her family headed to Nashville on a VERY chilly day. But no worries—warm parkas were handed out as soon as they arrived, and then the fun began!
Greenleigh spent the day just like all the other kids—flying down the sledding hill, decorating cookies, bravely taking on the skating rink, and, of course, sipping lots of hot cocoa along the way!
By all reports, Greenleigh had an absolute BLAST!!! And, for sure, the last thing on her mind was cancer!
Colton, you knew exactly what Greenleigh needed to lift her spirits—what an amazing gift! Thanks to you, she is now officially a Team Summer kid. And guess what? Greenleigh already has two kids in mind she wants to nominate! Stay tuned for those gifts.
To everyone who makes gifts like this possible—thank you. Team Summer is still going strong because of your generosity and unwavering support!
And please know, too, that your support holds me up as well. Especially on a day like today. Happy birthday, Summer. You accomplished more in your 16 years than most people do in a lifetime.
Much love,
Lynne Dale
President
Team Summer
