Everly’s Story: A Mother’s Day Special

When Everly Settlemeyer was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma at the end of 2022, she was one and a half years old. She was put on immediate risk protocol at her local hospital in Visalia, CA, and six months later she was transferred to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital after further testing revealed the need for an aggressive treatment protocol. She arrived at Family House in July 2023 with her mom Kayla and dad Kenneth, and they’ve been here more than home ever since.

“Family House has been a real blessing. You never feel alone here; there’s always a staff member or a volunteer or another family to spend time with,” said Kayla.

During the week, Kayla and Everly are here without Kenneth, going back and forth between the hospital and Family House. On the weekends, Everly and her family have enjoyed sports games, day trips to the beach and many holiday parties and activities at the house – when she’s not at the hospital and feeling good, you’ll find her dancing away and “shaking her booty” at everyone that comes through the front doors.

Since coming to Family House, Everly has had to fight for her life. This last February, Everly’s cancer progressed, and Kayla and her family were told that Everly most likely wouldn’t make it; but she fought hard and is still fighting. Currently, Kayla and Everly are in the PICU at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital while Everly continues to fight. Kayla has been by Everly’s side every step of the way, and we’re celebrating her strength this Mother’s Day.