“Iyana was diagnosed with ATRT (atypical teratoid
rhabdoid tumors) when she was 6 months old. She endured 3 rounds of high dose
chemo, 48 doses of focal radiation and countless amounts of experimental
medicines once we were out of options. Iyana loved to meet new people and she
had a wave and a smile that would always be embedded in your heart if you ever
came into contact with her. Iyana passed away on October 18, 2016 at 2 years
old. Iyana fought hard and smiled through it all. We miss her every day and
love her just as much.”
We met Iyana’s family at the beach. We watched Iyana smile
and wave at everyone in the tent and on the beach. We watched Iyana’s parents
and siblings soaking up every minute of a family beach trip. That week, 10
families with children with cancer came to the beach for a retreat but only one
left to go home on Hospice care. Only one family lost their child just a few
months after we all left that place of rest and hope. Iyana’s story hit us all
hard because we all knew that childhood cancer is often not about genetics or
life choices. It’s random and can hit anyone and in some of those, it hits
harder. Iyana’s story could have been any of our children’s stories. It could
be your child’s story. Childhood cancer doesn’t care if you have a signature
wave and infectious smile. It never fights fair.
I’m sorry if you never got to see her wave. Because of
cancer, you’ll never have the chance.
#Iyana #tilleryisloved #TILfoundation
#alexsmillionmile #GoGold2017
To support
childhood cancer research in honor of kids like Iyana, make a donation to our
team (TIL Foundation) with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. https://www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/1314958
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