By Staci DaSilva
sdasilva@kcautv.com
When Elsie Marienau, of Le Mars, lost her beautiful blonde hair a few months ago, it didn't phase her.
Her mother Judy Marienau said, "When we cut off she was like 'uh, gross' and throwing it on the floor. We were laughing and giggling and it was a good experience. It's her spirit that keeps us going and happy."
That's because after all she's gone through since August 15th, a few golden locks were nothing.
It was that day, that Elsie, then 5-years old, was diagnosed with High Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia or cancer of the blood.
Since then, Elsie and her family have traveled back and forth to Sanford Children's Hospital in Sioux Falls at least once a week for chemotherapy treatments and blood transfusions, plus 3 separate emergencies. Each time, racking up over 170 miles round trip.
Judy Marienau said, "I called the American Cancer Foundation because I needed assistance with something, you know, going to a single-income family. And Compass To Care was phenomenal. They were the second place I called."
And not long after, the Marienaus were quickly signed up with its gas assistance program.
"I'm beyond thankful. I'm thankful that it was easy to get started. Thankful that it was fast. They were able to help us immediately," said Judy Marienau.
"Compass To Care" is a nationwide program that was actually founded by a childhood cancer survivor.
It's aimed at helping families of child cancer patients with things like gas, hotel-stays and food if they live more than 60 miles from their treatment center.
It's all funded by donations and for every $20 donation a special "Dina Doll" is delivered to a cancer patient, like Elsie.
"Since these dolls were donated, the $20 donation goes 100% to the families," said Judy Marienau.
Giving little fighters a little companion and a little bit of hope.
"We'll get through it. We have life after cancer in our future," said Judy Marienau.
If you'd like to donate to "Compass To Care," just head to compasstocare.org.
