NHS sophomore’s family asks for help after cancer diagnosis “shatters” their world

A Northport family is asking the community for help after a trip to urgent care led to their daughter Hailey Seemungal’s cancer diagnosis. A sophomore at Northport High School, Hailey is currently in treatment after being diagnosed with leukemia in June.

“Unfortunately, we’re not as prepared as we’d hoped, so we’re asking for a little extra help,” Hailey’s mother Zorida shared on a GoFundMe organized for her daughter by Northport resident Michael Paquet. “We’ve taught our super independent Hailey that it’s ok to ask for help to get through this but somehow we didn’t take our own advice. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness but that of strength because no one is ever truly alone. All we need to do is ask.… Every bit counts and is appreciated and one day we will pay it forward to repay the kindness we’ve received.”

The fundraiser has brought in over $18,000 of its $50,000 goal since it was first posted in mid-November. 

Zorida recalled on the GoFundMe receiving Hailey’s diagnosis on June 7, the day an urgent care visit at 9am turned into two emergency room visits and four world-shattering words on the oncology floor of a children's hospital: “Your child has cancer.” 

Hailey and her family have felt a range of emotions, from confusion and fright to gratitude, since that day in June. 

“Our bright star, Hailey, just had her world turned upside down,” Zorida said on GoFundMe. “In an instant, she couldn’t dream of her future anymore. Her reality felt like a nightmare. An active, athletic, smart, beautiful, kind, 14-year-old girl. Who would’ve ever imagined someone of that profile would receive a cancer diagnosis? Cancer doesn’t care. It doesn’t discriminate. It just breaks your heart in ways you never knew possible.”  

Since her daughter’s diagnosis, Zorida shared with the Journal, Hailey’s had many bumps in the road, developing aspergillosis pneumonia and a large blood clot during the initial phase of her cancer treatment, then multiple reactions to treatments during the next phase of chemotherapy, all which led to a number of unplanned stays at the hospital.

“With all of this, Hailey hasn’t given up,” Zorida said on GoFundMe, describing Hailey as a true warrior. “She’s been knocked down over and over and she refuses to stay down. As parents, we wish we could make it better for her. We wish we could take away her tears and pain. All we can do is be there for her and with her throughout this chapter in our lives.”

Hailey is the second of three children, her mom said, and the glue that holds the family together: “Her diagnosis devastated her older brother and younger sister. They’re best friends. When she’s in pain, we’re in pain. There is no greater emotional roller coaster ride than watching your child go through the ups and downs of chemotherapy, praying for more good days than bad. There is no preparation for cancer. It’s not a journey anyone should go through alone.”

Hailey is now on a new treatment called Blinatumomab, an immunotherapy that helps fight leukemia, which she’s tolerating well, Zorida said. 

“The outpouring of support we’ve received from the Northport community has been overwhelming. Especially the staff and families from Northport High School, [who] have been absolutely angels. Northport is truly a remarkable place. We will forever be indebted to the people of this community for their kindness and support.”

Those wishing to donate to Hailey’s GoFundMe can do so here.