Mission

Even Mermaids Get Leukemia, Inc. is a nonprofit dedicated to helping childhood cancer survivors become kids again. We want to help a childhood cancer survivor who has just completed treatment within the last year get involved with a local activity. For example, music lessons, join a Taekwondo class, swimming lessons, etc. Send us the child’s name, activity he/she are interested in joining and a parent’s contact information and we will reach out to see if we are able to help. Funds for the activities will be paid directly to the recreation of their choice.

Goals

Our goal for Even Mermaids Get Leukemia is to give childhood cancer survivors their childhood back. We know what going through cancer is like and how difficult it can be to transition back into normal life. Our growth will be measured by the amount of smiles we can bring to childhood cancer survivors.

WHEN IT ALL STARTED

Even Mermaids Get Leukemia was first seen in 2016 as a Facebook community page where updates were posted for Hannah Soderstrom’s journey with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. During Hannah’s journey her mother Heather Soderstrom would post about the ups and downs of receiving chemotherapy. Lots of attention grew on the page as family and friends spread awareness. As Hannah was finishing treatment she faced difficulties transitioning back into her normal life which sparked the idea of creating her own nonprofit. With many people drawn to the name Even Mermaids Get Leukemia Hannah decided to keep the name and grow it into what it is today.

MERMAIDS?? WHY MERMAIDS?

At the beginning of my treatment, a nurse suggested to my parents to create a social media site to keep our family and friends updated so we weren’t overwhelmed with phone calls and texts. After the the second day a Facebook page was started. Do you know how many Team Hannah or Fight with Hannah sites there are? A LOT! Hannah is not a unique name. And I am an out-of-the-box type of kid so what would grab someone’s attention? Mermaids, of course! Not a believer in mermaids, just think about this, humans know more about space than our own oceans. And cancer is still a mystery to many. Like the ocean, we need to discovery ourselves, cancer did that for me. Therefore, even mermaids can get leukemia.

ORGANIZATIONS WE SUPPORT

Throughout my journey the following organizations have made an impact in my life therefor Even Mermaids get Leukemia will support; The Leukemia Lymphoma Society, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Make-A-Wish, The American Childhood Cancer Organization, and The American Red Cross.