At just four years old, Remi Shiflett from Columbiana, Alabama, was already known as the boss of the house. Despite her small size, Remi’s fierce energy, determination, and larger-than-life personality made her the leader in her family. From the moment she woke up each day, Remi went full throttle, taking on life with enthusiasm, joy, and a will to push through every challenge. Nothing, not even the struggles she faced later in life, could diminish her spirit. But in early 2025, Remi’s journey took a sudden and unexpected turn that would test her in ways no child should have to endure.
It all began when Remi started to sleep more than usual. As a vibrant, energetic child, long periods of rest were out of character. At first, her mother, Brooke, didn’t think much of it. But when Remi began to complain about leg pain and her skin turned pale, Brooke’s concern grew. This wasn’t just growing pains; something deeper was happening. A routine check-up led to the most devastating news a parent could hear: Remi had B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and white blood cells.
The diagnosis shook Brooke and her family to the core. “It was just unbelievable,” she recalls. “We never saw this coming.” The news felt like the ground beneath them had crumbled away. Remi’s childhood, full of laughter and energy, had come to a screeching halt. That moment marked the beginning of an unimaginable journey — one filled with chemotherapy, uncertainty, and endless nights of fear and hope.
To fight her leukemia, Remi’s doctors placed a port in her chest and started her first round of chemotherapy. The road ahead would be long and filled with hardships, but Brooke and her family knew they had to fight. “We were thrown into this world we didn’t understand,” Brooke said, “but we knew we had to fight.” The first few months of treatment showed promise as Remi responded well to the chemotherapy. But soon, the road became much more difficult. A new cycle of stronger chemotherapy left Remi drained, her body overwhelmed by the medications. Her heart function dropped to 60%, and Remi began to experience neuropathy in her legs, causing pain and difficulty walking.
The emotional toll on Brooke and her family was immense. Watching Remi, once so full of energy and life, struggle with fatigue and pain was heartbreaking. “It was hard to watch her go through that,” Brooke said. “She was always so full of energy, and now she was so tired.” Yet, despite the physical challenges, Remi’s spirit never wavered. She remained strong and brave, facing every moment of pain with resilience far beyond her years. “She’s been a great patient,” Brooke said. “She’s ready and willing to go to the hospital at any time to see the good people at Children’s. She loves the nurses and doctors there—they make her feel safe and loved.” Remi’s ability to stay positive, even in the face of adversity, has been a beacon of strength for everyone around her.
In the midst of this difficult journey, there have been moments of hope. One such moment came when Remi’s heart function improved to 72%, a sign that her body was beginning to respond to the treatment. “The good news is that her latest scan showed 72 percent heart function, and she hasn’t needed a blood transfusion yet,” Brooke shared. This news brought a sense of relief and renewed hope for Remi’s family. Though the road to full recovery is still long, these small victories mean the world.
Remi’s progress has been gradual but steady, and her family remains hopeful for what’s to come. Each day, she is getting closer to being the vibrant, energetic girl she once was. Remi’s personality continues to shine through, and she’s not just a fighter in the hospital — she’s also the “boss” of her house, bringing energy, joy, and a sense of normalcy to her family. “Remi is getting closer to being back to 100 percent,” Brooke said with a smile. “That means she’s almost back to being the boss of the house.” The strength and resilience Remi has shown throughout her battle with leukemia are a testament to the incredible power of the human spirit.
As Remi continues her treatment, the Shiflett family looks forward to the day when they can return to a sense of normalcy. “There’s still a lot of treatment ahead,” Brooke said. “But we’re looking forward to a time when we can go back to being a normal family — when Remi can run around, play with her friends, and do all the things she loves.” Though the challenges remain, the love and support of family, friends, and the community have been invaluable in helping them navigate this difficult journey. “We are so grateful for the love and support we’ve received,” Brooke shared. “People have been amazing—sending prayers, offering help, and just being there when we need them. It’s been a reminder of how strong we are when we come together.”
In the face of unimaginable hardship, the Shiflett family has learned valuable lessons about resilience, hope, and the power of love. They have found strength in one another and in the community that has rallied around them. And as Remi continues to fight, they are reminded every day that even in the darkest moments, hope, love, and support can make all the difference.
Remi’s story is not just about a child facing cancer; it’s about the incredible strength, resilience, and love that can emerge in the face of adversity. She is a warrior, and her journey is one of inspiration for everyone who hears her story. The Shiflett family has learned that resilience isn’t just about surviving — it’s about thriving, even in the hardest of circumstances. They have embraced the challenges with open hearts and unshakable faith, knowing that the future, though uncertain, is filled with hope.
As we continue to support Remi and her family, let’s remember that the love, kindness, and prayers we offer can make a difference. Remi’s journey is far from over, but with her courage, the love of her family, and the support of the community, there’s no doubt she will continue to fight and thrive.
To Remi, we say: Keep fighting, keep shining, and remember, you’ll always be the boss of the house! Your strength and joy are a beacon of hope to us all. 💪💛
