Christmas wish list: Hugs, cuddles ... and a bone marrow match

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Lily Skeen is home for Christmas.

The 4-year-old has been in and out of Texas Children's Hospital as she battles leukemia. She was discharged Monday, just in time to be with her family for the holidays.

Lily's father Dan Skeen said Lily will return to the hospital Dec. 27 for a lumbar puncture and bone marrow biopsy. Until then, their Christmas plans include plenty of hugs and cuddles.

"She's such a big light in our life," Dan said. "We look forward to spending the holidays with her. She's really been through a lot."

Lily may also begin her third round of chemotherapy Dec. 27. But it's her fourth and final round of chemo that is most important, Dan said, as that is when she's scheduled for a bone marrow transplant.

Nobody in Lily's family is a bone marrow match.

Lily's sister Maggie, 13, is a student at McCullough Junior High. Her brother, 10-year-old Forest, is a student at Mitchell Intermediate. Her mother Christel Skeen is a teacher at Mitchell Intermediate.

Dan is working hard to spread the message about the importance of bone marrow registration and donation. Visit www.bethematch.org for more information.

Lily, who has Down Syndrome, was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. You can read more here.

Want to help?

• Visit Lily's Leukemia Fund on GoFundMe
• Make a direct deposit at any Well's Fargo bank to "Lily's Bone Marrow Fund."