Family Recreates Church at Home for Daughter Battling Leukemia, TikTok Video Goes Viral
A mother’s unwavering faith and love led her to recreate a church service in her living room for her young daughter, who is undergoing treatment for cancer. The heartwarming gesture, captured in a now-viral TikTok video, has resonated with thousands, highlighting the power of community and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
In June 2025, McLaren Jewell’s life took an unexpected turn when her two-year-old daughter, Josie, received a diagnosis of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The diagnosis came just days after a family trip to Dubai, when a routine pediatrician appointment revealed dangerously low hemoglobin levels. “She went from being perfectly healthy, without warning signs, straight to a cancer diagnosis,” a mother shared. “While fighting cancer is never an easy battle, we are thankful for a good prognosis.”
Josie’s treatment regimen required her to stay home, missing regular church attendance – a cornerstone of the family’s life. Determined to maintain their daughter’s connection to her faith community, McLaren and her husband, Ross, decided to bring church to Josie.
“My husband and I want to teach our girls that our faith isn’t dependent on our circumstances, and in fact, in the hardest of trials, God carries us through and refines us, teaching us to rely on him for all we need,” McLaren explained. The family’s improvised service, complete with songs and prayer, was filmed and shared on TikTok, quickly amassing nearly 800,000 views.
The video’s popularity underscored the widespread desire for connection and hope during challenging times. “We both wish we had been doing this every Sunday since she was diagnosed, but we will definitely continue it until we are able to return,” McLaren added. The couple, who met while leading worship at UNC Wilmington, emphasized the integral role of faith and music in their family life.
Josie’s battle with leukemia has profoundly impacted the entire family. McLaren described the past year as “the hardest thing we have been through,” acknowledging the unexpected challenges and emotional toll. However, she also expressed immense gratitude for the outpouring of support from family, friends, and their church community.
“Our family and friends have been with us every step of the way,” she said. “Our church has brought us meals multiple times a week since she was diagnosed, and even helped us with our yard work.” Friends have maintained a safe distance to protect Josie’s health, while a GoFundMe campaign has alleviated financial burdens, with the family intending to donate any remaining funds to other families facing childhood cancer.
Josie’s treatment plan spans three years, with the first year being the most intensive. She is scheduled to begin a maintenance phase of treatment this month. While the initial months of treatment resulted in a temporary loss of mobility, Josie is steadily regaining her strength. “These intensive chemos she’s been receiving have many side effects, but overall she is handling treatment very well,” McLaren noted.
Initially hesitant to share their personal journey on social media, McLaren was overwhelmed by the positive response. “But boy was I wrong!” she exclaimed. “I am honored that so many people are praying for Josie and care about our family.” She hopes to leverage their platform to raise awareness about childhood cancer, offer support to other families, and inspire hope through their faith.
The family’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community, faith, and resilience in the face of adversity. It is a testament to the enduring bond between a mother and her child, and a beacon of hope for all those navigating difficult journeys.
