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As a parent, you never know what tomorrow will bring. On September 21, 2008, Gina gathered her family to celebrate the first birthday of her son Tagen. The party included her husband Shane, as well as her other children Austin, 13 and Taylor, 3. The family, who resides in Colorado Springs, CO, anticipated the event to be their most monumental and memorable one that month.
Unfortunately, by the month’s end, Gina’s daughter Taylor, would be diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that progresses rapidly and affects immature blood cells. “She got very sick, very quickly. I thought she might have mono or some other virus,” said Gina. “But within one week, Taylor went from being tested for a potential strep infection to seeing a pediatric oncologist and preparing for a bone marrow transplant.”
Taylor had been a happy, healthy three-year-old girl up to that point. “I never expected it to be cancer,” said Gina. “On Friday night, she simply had a fever. By Tuesday, she was diagnosed with cancer. It moved that quickly.” The survival rate for children under 15 for AML is 60 percent. But Taylor and her parents were determined to beat the disease.
During her journey, she spent 28 days in the hospital and endured four rounds of chemotherapy. On February 5, 2009, she received a bone marrow transplant. Taylor’s treatments and follow-up visits occurred in Denver, more than 70 miles from the family’s home. Gina was forced to leave her job during Taylor’s treatments to care for her daughter. “It was difficult,” she said.
Taylor’s oncologist, as well as a social worker at the Denver hospital where Taylor received treatments recommended the family get in touch with The National Children’s Cancer Society. The N.C.C.S. assisted the family with travel expenses, paid for Gina’s meals during hospital stays, and provided useful information for Gina and Shane through its “Care to Share” Message Board.
Taylor, who has been in remission for more than a year, is still undergoing a few post-transplant treatments. But for the most part, she is back to enjoying all the activities of a normal four year old and is looking forward to attending kindergarten this fall. “I am amazed at how strong she is and how quickly she has rebounded,” said Gina. “Taylor has such a positive spirit.” |
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This month, Taylor and her family will celebrate her fifth birthday in a very special way. She will be traveling to Orlando to visit the Magic Kingdom where she will be serenaded by Disney princesses, as well as have the opportunity to meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse. In addition, the family will be able to spend some time together on Clearwater Beach.
“This whole experience has made me realize what’s most important,” said Gina. “You are your child’s best advocate. You need to be their eyes and ears. Stay informed and be in constant contact with their doctors.”
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