In the spring of 2014, Taliyah stopped being able to breathe through the nose, had headaches, and sleep apnea. She was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma on April 8, 2014. She completed 42 rounds of chemo, 6 weeks of radiation, over 50 blood/platelet transfusions, and five surgeries before going into remission. In March of this year, she hit the 5-year cancer-free mark!
Cancer changed every aspect of our life. From the jobs (I had to quit), my oldest child dropping out of college to help, my second oldest was a senior and I missed most of the special moments that year, I missed my youngest first day of kindergarten and first football game – to name a few. Both I and my husband have PTSD to this day. My other children are still dealing with anxiety. Taliyah goes to counseling for her own anxieties and fear of cancer returning.
Taliyah has stayed involved in the childhood cancer community. She has organized toy drives, lemonade stands, and gift card donations. She volunteers with Pink Heals Solano which visits cancer patients of all ages.
Hope session by Simply Sara Jean Photography | Facebook | Instagram