TAYA

Taya’s first year of life was the same as any other happy, healthy one year old. At about 16 months old, Taya began to experience bouts of repeated vomiting. Responding to the unexplained sickness, her parents took her to a walk-in medical clinic to be examined; unfortunately, the family’s regular physician was on vacation at the time. The attending physician sent the family home with a diagnosis of the common flu.  With the vomiting persisting, the family visited multiple clinics in the weeks to follow.  Each visit resulted in the same flu diagnosis. With the flu symptoms continuing, Taya was taken to her regular family doctor upon his return from vacation.  Recognizing the severity of the situation, their family doctor immediately sent Taya to Grand River Hospital and, under the care of Dr. Jodi Rosner, Taya was sent for a CT scan. Dr. Rosner delivered the devastating news to the family that there was a mass in Taya’s brain and that she was being immediately transferred to Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto for further care.

Once at SickKids, Taya underwent brain surgery in an attempt to remove the tumour. The 8-hour procedure was successful in removing a good portion of the mass however not all of it could be extracted. During the days following surgery, Taya was diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive Embryonal brain tumour.  The medical team at SickKids proceeded to fight the tumour with the most aggressive form of cancer treatment that Taya could endure. Although Taya was only 16 months of age, she demonstrated to her parents and all of those around her, a remarkable level of bravery and tolerance having to undergo extremely intrusive brain surgery and cancer treatment. She had to relearn the very basic motor skills, like walking, since these skills were disrupted during surgery.  Throughout all of this, Taya never complained and woke each day with an optimistic, heart-warming smile.

Over the course of a few months, the chemotherapy successfully shrunk the tumour.  The medical team decided that a second surgery would be scheduled to remove the final remnants. To give Taya’s body time to strengthen before the 2nd surgery, the chemotherapy treatment was halted. Unfortunately, during this treatment hiatus her family learnt that the tumour had grown back, and with a vengeance.  It was concluded that nothing further could be done to help Taya as her tumour was just too aggressive.

Taya passed away at 22 months of age, on Dec 25th, 2007, surrounded by loving family and friends. Although this story is one of great loss, Taya’s family has created a legacy of giving in Taya’s memory. Taya’s bravery and continued love and appreciation of life, despite everything she went through, served as inspiration to her family.  She inspired a drive to help others living through same, unthinkable circumstances. Through walk/runs, that have supported fundamental programs and research at both POGO and SickKids, Taya’s loved ones hope to ensure better outcomes for other children with cancer. This year, Taya’s family and friends are proud to be joining the Kitchener Kids with Cancer Run & Walk to continue Taya’s legacy of joy and optimism. Together, they truly strive to provide better outcomes and support for families with children battling cancer.