Leena Paj-dia-sias Lo

May 2, 2014 - December 3, 2017

Every child is a gift from God, and every child is special. But some children are angels that God sends down from Heaven to change all of us here on earth. Such is the case with Leena Paj-dia-sias Lo, born on May 2, 2014. From the moment she arrived, her parents knew that she had a special purpose, and that purpose was realized all too soon. On May 7, 2016, Leena was diagnosed with stage 4, high-risk neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer. Leena endured 19 months of strenuous treatment, including chemotherapy, proton radiation, stem cell transplants, bone marrow transplants, surgeries, and countless blood transfusions. Through what seemed to be impossible odds, Leena fought with tenacity and overcame obstacles that at times had her doctors dumbfounded. For many months, Leena’s health and happiness was nothing short of a miracle, and her family relished every opportunity to make memories. Her wish to meet Elsa came true with a trip to Disney World through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and her community came together to give Leena one last Christmas in late November. Around midnight on December 3, 2017, Leena met Jesus, and at once her cancer disappeared as if it had never happened. All her tumors, all her scars, all her pain, all her tears are now gone, and she will have everlasting life with her Creator. She had a quiet and peaceful passing in her own home surrounded by her family. In just 3 short years, Leena touched more lives than many would hope to do in a lifetime through her strength, her kindness, and her perseverance. Despite her own pain, she would wipe away her mother’s tears and blow kisses to her daddy. Leena never stopped fighting, and in her gracious fight, she demonstrated what it means to be joyful regardless of circumstances. She showed the world what it means to never give up, to never lose hope, and to never take a single moment for granted. Though cancer took her body, it never took her spirit. Cancer did not win – Leena defeated it every single day with her ever-present smile and contagious laughter. No, cancer could not win against Leena, for she took the darkest circumstances and turned it into a glorious light for all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her light was her purpose, and she fulfilled it with excellence. She has been welcomed into heaven and greeted by her Father and the words “Well done, my good and faithful child.” Leena is survived by her parents, Joseph and Sara Lo, and her siblings, Chance (6), Bryson (4), and Jade (2). She is also survived by her grandparents, Soua and Chao Lo, and her 9 uncles, 8 aunts, and 19 cousins. Special thanks to Wheeler Funeral Home and Crematory, Doric Vault Company, and Zion Baptist Church for donating their services to the Lo family to lift the burden of the funeral costs. Leena has always been an angel, but now she has her wings. We are forever #LEENASTRONG. Leena’s funeral services are Saturday, December 16, Visitation 4-6pm (Hmong) Service 6-7pm, Sunday, December 17, Visitation 4-6pm Service 6-7pm, Monday, December 18 Graveside Service 12-12:30pm at Zion Baptist Church Cemetery