Girl, 3, Has to Miss Church Because of Cancer Treatment. Then Her Parents Decide to Recreate It at Home (Exclusive)

When medical treatments disrupt daily life, families often find creative ways to maintain normalcy and connection. For McLaren Jewell, this meant recreating a church service in her living room for her three-year-old daughter, Josie, who was unable to attend in person due to ongoing cancer treatment.

A Diagnosis and a Disrupted Routine

In June 2025, Josie Jewell received a diagnosis of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at the age of two. The diagnosis came just days after a family trip to Dubai, initially stemming from a pediatrician’s concern over dangerously low hemoglobin levels. The family’s regular attendance at church became impossible as Josie underwent treatment and during flu season, prompting McLaren and her husband, Ross, to bring the church experience home.

Did You Know? Josie’s diagnosis followed a trip to Dubai and was initially flagged by a pediatrician checking her hemoglobin levels.

Faith and Family Resilience

The decision to recreate church services wasn’t simply about replicating a routine; it was rooted in a desire to instill a sense of constancy in their daughter. McLaren explained that she and her husband wanted to demonstrate that their faith wasn’t contingent on circumstances, but rather a source of strength during difficult times. They hoped to soon return to in-person services, viewing the living room services as practice for that return.

The Jewell family’s faith is deeply ingrained in their lives, having met while leading worship at UNC Wilmington. Music and religious practice are described as integral to their family dynamic.

A Community Response

Josie’s diagnosis has profoundly impacted the entire family. McLaren described the past year as the most challenging of her life. However, they have received significant support from family, friends and their church community. Family members accompany them to appointments to care for their younger daughter, Annie, while the church provides regular meals and assistance with household tasks.

Expert Insight: The response from the community highlights the critical role of social support networks in navigating serious health challenges. Families facing prolonged illness often rely heavily on practical assistance and emotional encouragement from their existing connections.

Friends have taken precautions to avoid exposing Josie to germs, and she receives gifts in the mail regularly. A GoFundMe campaign has alleviated financial burdens, with the family intending to donate any remaining funds to other families battling childhood cancer.

Looking Ahead

Josie’s treatment plan spans three years, with the first year being the most intensive. She is now scheduled to begin a maintenance phase of treatment. Early in her treatment, Josie temporarily lost the ability to walk, but she is regaining her strength. While chemotherapy has side effects, McLaren reports that Josie is handling treatment well overall.

A video of the family’s home church service gained significant attention on TikTok, reaching nearly 800,000 views. McLaren initially hesitated to share the video, unsure of its appeal, but was surprised and gratified by the positive response. She hopes to use their platform to raise awareness about childhood cancer and offer support to other families.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of leukemia was Josie diagnosed with?

Josie was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

How long will Josie be receiving treatment?

Josie will continue treatment for the next two years as part of a three-year treatment plan.

How did the community support the Jewell family?

The family received support through meals, help with childcare, financial assistance via GoFundMe, gifts for Josie, and practical help with tasks like yard work.

How do families maintain a sense of normalcy and connection when facing significant health challenges?