Girl with terminal cancer wanted one last Christmas — so the neighborhood brought December to July

When Alyssa and Joe Zachmann were told their 9-year-old daughter Kasey had only weeks left to live, they made one simple request to their community. Kasey had been diagnosed with brain cancer four years earlier, and June 28 — the date of her diagnosis — had always been a difficult day for the family. This time, they wanted to change what the day meant and asked their Maryland neighbors to help celebrate one last Christmas for her on June 28.

Kasey had loved Christmas more than anything. According to the Washington Post, Kasey watched the "Home Alone" movies and sang Christmas carols year-round. Gwen Stefani’s "You Make It Feel Like Christmas" was at the top of her personal holiday playlist. "I was trying to think of fun things that we could do for Kasey to build memories…so we thought it would be amazing to give her the chance to celebrate Christmas one last time," Alyssa said, as per Today. The Zachmanns knew their request was unusual, still, Alyssa sent an email to their neighbors explaining the situation. She wrote, "This community has been incredibly supportive of our family over the last four years. This week will be incredibly hot and not the best climate for putting up lights, but we aren't sure how much time we have."

The neighborhood responded and got to work immediately. "All of the neighbors were out there just sweating as we hung Christmas lights," neighbor Alison Goradia told NBC Nightly News. Within six days, the block transformed, and houses were decorated with Christmas lights and wreaths. More than two dozen fire trucks arrived, one carrying Santa Claus atop an antique fire engine. Kasey’s father recalled his daughter’s reaction: "She ran like she hadn’t run in years. She wanted to be right in the middle of it."

Kasey, who had endured multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and clinical trials since her diagnosis at age five, wore a Nutcracker-themed pink dress. She was surrounded by friends, neighbors, and her little sister Zara. Cards and gifts were shared, creating moments of joy that the family treasured. The love and support Kasey and her family got from the community play a critical role in the psychological well-being, as per research. A 2021 study published in the journal Children found that community-driven events and interpersonal connections can positively impact the quality of life for pediatric cancer patients by reducing feelings of isolation and distress. Kasey’s celebration was a powerful example of how shared compassion can offer emotional relief even in the most difficult circumstances.

The celebration extended far beyond their neighborhood. Supporters from all 50 states and several countries sent holiday photos and videos to join the Christmas in June event.

Alyssa called the day "magical," explaining it took two hours to visit every decorated house. "There were people standing out in the rain, waiting to cheer us on. There are really no words to describe how incredible everyone is," Alyssa said. She also said, "June 28th for us has been diagnosis day, has been a heavy day for us. For us to now be able to think about June 28 as Christmas in June, especially next year, we’re so thankful."