Family who can’t take trick or treaters due to sick child, get a fantastic surprise

What turned into a gesture to not disappoint neighborhood children, took on a life of its own.

The Thomas’ family received the news no parent wants to hear.

In January 2020, Zoe, 2 1/2 years old at the time, had an ear infection. While the ear infection eventually cleared, Zoe didn’t feel like herself. Swollen lymph nodes were discovered and after a round of tests it was determined that Zoe had Leukemia.

Since Zoe is under treatment, the family couldn’t allow trick or treaters as much as they wanted to.

So they wouldn’t have their southern neighborhood kids go up to the home in disappointment, the family put up a sign letting other families know with words of encouragement such as “cool costume” and “have fun!”

What happened next was truly special and Courtney, Zoe’s mother, was clearly touched.

“I can’t stop crying. If anyone thought there was no hope in our kids and teens you’re wrong. The SOLE purpose of us putting this sign in our yard today was so kids wouldn’t run to our door and be disappointed (our neighborhood usually gets 300-400 kids). I looked on our doorbell camera tonight and saw that kids had been stopping at the sign. T.J. Thomas and I just went outside and found this. The picture doesn’t do it justice. It’s a LOT and the good stuff even.”

“Seriously, if the parents of anyone who did this sees this, PLEASE tell them how much it means to us and our kiddos. On the best candy night of the year kids freely and generously shared with strangers and showed so much love and kindness. So amazing. Thank you to everyone for your kind words and prayers! We serve a mighty and faithful God and we hold tight to the promise of Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Childhood cancer is something we wish no family ever had to endure, but there is so much love, hope, and support!”