Freya Everly

When Freya was battling B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, our family was carried by so many extraordinary people and organizations. A special place in our hearts will forever belong to Project Fire Buddies (PFB). PFB is a nonprofit organization created through collaboration between firefighters and the community to provide support to critically ill children and their families. Their mission is simple yet potent: to give comfort, fun and companionship to children struggling with serious illnesses — and to ensure no child goes on fighting alone. Through connection, celebration, and consistency, they are showing up for families who are traversing some of the hardest roads that the world knows. At the heart of their work is the purpose that they refer to collectively as “More Good Days.” It’s about getting a few moments of light, joy, and normalcy — even in the middle of intense treatments. Each individual PFB chapter focuses on creating real, lasting relationships with the kids they support. Here are a few of the ways they showed up for Freya and our family:

• Visited Freya at our home — each time they arrived in a parade of fire trucks with flashing lights and sirens – loaded with hugs, high fives, and such energy to lift our family’s spirit.
• They celebrated birthdays and holidays with thoughtful, generous gifts.
• Our Fire Buddies offered a fire station tour and visit for the kids, which left them feeling special and included.
• Overall, they provided friendship and emotional support during Freya’s long, difficult treatment journey.

It’s not just about the events — it’s about the connection. They prioritize personal relationships and become part of your journey. 

What Project Fire Buddies meant to Freya — and, really, to us. 

PFB is more than an organization. They were friends. They were heroes in turnout gear. They were joy on days that felt unmitigatedly heavy. The Homewood, IL Chapter — Andrew, Dan, Edgar, Dave, and so many others at the Homewood Fire Station — forged real ties with Freya. Again and again they showed up. They gave us moments to smile when smiling felt hard. They helped us create memories that we now treasure beyond words.

When the fire trucks rolled up with lights flashing, it wasn’t just exciting — it was a reminder that we weren’t alone. In the middle of hospital stays, treatments, fear, and exhaustion, they brought relief. They brought laughter. They brought “more good days.”

They supported us emotionally as much as they supported Freya. In a season when so much felt out of our control, their consistency and kindness grounded us.

We are deeply honored that Project Fire Buddies was part of her journey — and that she became part of theirs. We thank the Homewood Chapter and every firefighter who showed up for our girl. You didn’t only provide support, you brought joy and light to our family’s darkest time. Because of them, Freya had so many more good days. ❤️

If you would like to donate to Project Fire Buddies and bring “More Good Days”, you can donate here.

-Melissa