MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – A Marquette-based organization has created an online guide-book for families experiencing cases of pediatric cancer, as the U.P. lacks proper resources.
In 2022, 9-year-old Senya Smith of Marquette was diagnosed with leukemia. While her family’s life turned upside down, her parents found there was nowhere in the U.P. to provide proper local assistance. Guidance was hard to come by as the family traveled back and forth to CS Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor over the next two years.
“We discovered there wasn’t a roadmap for this,” said Senya’s mother and Founder of Senya’s Lighthouse, Erica Smith. “Yes, it can be rare for your kid to have cancer or a serious blood disorder, but unfortunately that’s the reality that many are facing.”
Since 2020, 120 families in the Upper Peninsula have experienced a similar story.
As the region is home to zero pediatric oncologists, at least a source of information would point families in the right direction. Senya’s Lighthouse is an online hub providing an essential gameplan for the process of finding the right care, getting to appointments, keeping track of education, and meeting with other families.
“Having not one center here is very difficult and isolating for families,” said Smith. “I just wanted to create a one stop shop.”
The organization is currenly applying to become a non-profit and expand its donation and outreach services, like holding weekend family retreats. They also work closely with other organizations including UP Lions Serve to further support other impacted families. Senya’s Lighthouse recently activated on social media, even creating a podcast with additional advocacy information.
“Senya’s Lighthouse will give parents guideance, support, community, and hope, so they don’t feel like they are alone,” said Smith.
As Senya’s journey now continues cancer free, the impact her story created will make a difference in the lives of similarly affected U.P. families for years.
The Senya’s Lighthouse webpage can be found here.
