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Casa Grande rallying behind girl battling cancer in Phoenix

Posted at 3:48 PM, Apr 25, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-26 09:08:34-04

Many in the Casa Grande community are rallying behind a special five-year-old girl battling cancer.

In July 2017, five-year-old Alice Leija was diagnosed with with Leukemia.

Alice's parents, Alyssa and Micah, said her diagnosis was a shock to them.

"My instinct is to protect her and at that moment I felt helpless and that's the hardest part I couldn't do anything," said Micah. 

Alice is now undergoing chemotherapy treatments at Phoenix Children's Hospital about an hour drive from the Leija's home.

"We didn't expect to be driving an hour once a week or taking time off of work," said Alyssa.

Doctors say Alice will need to continue chemotherapy for at least two more years.

To help pay for the mounting medical bills and expenses, friends started a GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/warrior-princess-alice 

"It's been amazing how much support we've had," said Alyssa. "All the prayers and people keeping us in their thoughts and coming to visit her."

Alice has two younger siblings, Olivia and Evan.

"I think the hardest part for Alice is when she's at the hospital and doesn't get to be with her brother and sister," said Alyssa.

Alyssa says Alice's contagious smile and positive outlook helps push she and her husband forward, even though they're the parents.

"She doesn't skip a beat," said Alyssa. "Everyday she's just so full of life."