I’m getting in my car as my cellphone rings and I answer it. It’s my eldest sister, Christine, and she asks where I am. I’m 2-hours away in Stamford, CT finishing up a marathon of yearly appointments when she says “I’m having everyone come to my house ... we’re on our way home from Albany and the doctor thinks he knows why Taylor’s knee has been hurting her. He saw something on an x-ray and called up to to the pediatric oncologist to schedule an appointment and a biopsy. He says he’s 99% sure it’s Osteosarcoma, a bone cancer”.
I have a tendency not to panic so I think to myself -
- OK, he’s being proactive. He’s moving fast and if he wasn’t sure of what he was seeing, he wouldn’t have mentioned the “C” word - and my thoughts start to churn.
I’m on speaker-phone and Taylor is in the car too. I ask - “hey Tayleee, how are you? You OK?” And in a monotone voice she says - “um, I’m kinda freaking out.”
And so begins my role in being the logical, strong, level-headed and proactive pain in the ass sister-aunt-sister-in-law-daughter-wife & mother that is just me.
I don’t like the unknown and although I know I can’t control things like who gets cancer, what I can do is educate myself on all fronts to help advocate and relate to and for my sister and her youngest child, Taylor.
... and that’s just what I did.
Since that chilly and busy November day my life, and the lives of everyone that knows my niece and family has changed. I wouldn’t say it’s the worst kind of change though, actually it’s been quite a positive experience - an enlightening experience, if you will.
You see, this 15-year-old young woman has seen herself on the other side of this cancer journey from the get-go! Just that alone is inspiring. She’s endured 6-rounds of chemo thus far and had various infections due to the chemo lowering her white-blood cells (the cells that fight off the germs), she’s had surgery to remove the tumor in her left tibia and will be starting another 6-rounds of chemo and physical therapy within the next week... And throughout all of this, she’s determined to play softball in the spring on 2020! She said to me -Aunt Lauren, I know I’m going to be fine.” Wow! Just WOW!
She’s been faced with what is probably her biggest challenge of her life at this young age and is matter-of-factly certain she’s going to be “fine”. What’s more amazing than her positive attitude is her involvement in her treatment and determination to live. She certainly puts things into perspective, no?! She’s reminded me, and so many around her, not to sweat the small stuff. That life is truly short and should be LIVED and ENJOYED no matter what is thrown at us.
This kid is not only a warrior, she’s backed by an army of people supporting her through this which brings me to this event - St. Baldricks.
Though we all appreciate the endless love and support poured out for Taylor, this disease is much bigger than just her case. Taylor has what many children in her situation don’t - she has the backing on so many fronts to help her.
So, I am asking you to help others fight childhood cancer! Help me raise money to help students, neighbors, friends, nieces/nephews, sisters/brothers, cousins, grandchildren…get the help they need ... just like the help and supporting Taylor has received.
If you don’t feel comfortable donating online, just print & fill out the following for, add the Recipient ID on the “Memo” part of your check and either give it to me OR send it to the address listed on the bottom of this form!
THANK YOU
https://www.stbaldricks.org/donateform/participant/996234/2019

