Every family has a leader, and in the Shiflett household of Columbiana, Alabama, that role has always belonged to Remi. She may be just four years old, but her mom,Brooke Shiflett, says it best: “Remi always goes full force. She’s the boss of the house.”

But earlier this year, that unstoppable energy dimmed. In January, Brooke noticed her daughter sleeping more than usual and complaining of leg pain. Like many parents, she assumed it was harmless.“Oh, it’s just growing pains,” she thought. But then she saw something no mother can ignore—Remi looked pale.

A check-up led to tests. Tests led to a bone marrow biopsy. And in late January, the words every parent fears came crashing down:B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Remi was only four years old.

On January 31st, doctors placed a port in her chest, and she began her first round of chemotherapy. At first, she handled the treatment with the same resilience that makes her such a force of nature at home.“She did well those first few months,” Brooke shared. “But as often happens, life became more challenging.”

The next cycle of stronger chemo brought harsh side effects. Remi became extremely tired, and doctors discovered her heart was functioning at just 60 percent. The word “leukemia” was frightening enough—now her heart was struggling under the weight of treatment. Neuropathy set in, weakening her legs and limiting the speed and stamina of the little girl who once ran the house with boundless energy.

Yet even in the midst of fear, there has been hope. Her most recent scan brought good news: her heart function improved to 72 percent. Remarkably, she has not yet needed a blood transfusion, something many leukemia patients face early in treatment.

Today, Remi is home with her family, regaining some of her spark. She is still a patient at Children’s of Alabama, where her doctors and nurses have become trusted friends. Brooke says her daughter has been cooperative, even eager, when it’s time to visit the hospital.“She’s been a great patient, ready and willing to go anytime,” she said proudly.

At home, the signs of recovery are beginning to show. She laughs more. She has more energy. She is slowly, but surely, reclaiming her role as the household boss. Brooke can’t help but smile when she talks about it.

“Remi is getting closer to being back to 100 percent,” she said. “That means she’s almost back to being the boss of the house.”

The thought makes her giggle, because to Brooke, nothing sounds sweeter than seeing her daughter’s strong-willed personality return. After months of hospitals, side effects, and fear, watching Remi be her feisty self again is nothing short of a blessing.

A Story Bigger Than Illness

Remi’s story is about more than a diagnosis. It is about the resilience of children who face battles far too big for their years. It is about the parents who stay strong even when their hearts are breaking. And it is about the quiet victories—the improved scans, the regained energy, the smiles that return after long nights of worry.

For the Shiflett family, life is not back to normal. There will be more treatments, more hospital visits, and more anxious days ahead. But they hold onto optimism, faith, and the fierce spirit of a little girl who has never stopped being a fighter.

Because even when cancer tried to take her energy, it never took her title.

Remi is still the boss. And with each day she grows stronger, her family can already feel her taking charge once again.