Oklahoma City Community Raises Money, Shows Support For Young Girl Battling Leukemia

The local community is uniting to offer unwavering support to a young girl and her family in the wake of her recent leukemia diagnosis.

Doctors delivered the news during an otherwise normal doctor's visit.

“It took a wild turn because we went in for [a] earache and then it turned into a bad situation," said her father, Jimmy Thomas.

News 9's Matt McCabe spoke with her father and those who have stepped forward to extend their help during this challenging time.

On a Sunday afternoon, the stretch of businesses along Meridian and Southwest Avenue became the heartwarming backdrop for a show of solidarity as Team Delilah assumed the spotlight.

Craig Akey, the owner of Empire Tattoo, learned of Delilah's story — despite not knowing the family personally — and felt compelled to help.

“I’ve lost a lot of people to cancer myself," Akey said. “I just wanted to see what I could do to help out.”

More than 100 people showed up to the event, all eager to partake in a raffle dedicated to assisting the family.

In a collaborative effort, local businesses contributed prizes that raised nearly $3,000. The entirety of these proceeds will go directly toward supporting Delilah, who is already undergoing chemotherapy treatments. Her parents expressed gratitude for the support extended by the community.

"Nobody would have ever thought all these big, tough-looking people with all these cool cars have such a big heart like that and show up and show out. It's just amazing. We didn't ask anybody to do anything; they just reached out to us," said Thomas.

Her family started a Facebook page called "Team Delilah" where you can follow her progress.

Although Delilah's parents disclosed that her bone marrow is currently impacted by over 85%, they did not specify whether this is a result of the cancer itself or the treatments she is receiving.

They say she has her good and bad days.

Delilah may have to undergo at least two years of chemotherapy.