So it was no surprise when Cure Kids visited our ambassador Taylor, 15, in hospital this month, to see her entertaining all the younger children on her ward.
She had insisted on her parents Irene and Tau bringing in the big TV they had, so all the kids could watch DVDs in her half-full room. Taylor was even sharing her treats and reading books to younger patients.
After suffering a major seizure at school, she was rushed to hospital, where she had three more episodes, and the exhausted teen was then having ‘ticks’ that, coupled with the pain from a growth on her spine, kept her awake despite being heavily sedated.
Specialists adjusted her medication and she was able to go home after being in hospital for five days, where she is now playing ‘mum’ to her younger brothers and sisters and trying half days back at school.
Taylor was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in 2008, after waking up blind. She has a rare cancer occurring in puberty-aged children. Damage from the tumour on her pituitary gland caused her to get diabetes and epilepsy.
But when you meet her, she is incredibly polite and appreciative of all she has and – like she was in hospital – is always willing to share.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Cure Kids research includes a potential brain tumour vaccine, breakthroughs in Type-1 diabetes and epilelpsy. For more information on our research and ways to support us, go to www.curekids.org.nz
Support Cure Kids on Red Nose Day Friday 23 August 2013 - http://www.curekids.org.nz/red-nose-day-press-release/
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Cure Kids was founded as the Child Health Research Foundation by Rotary. Rotary and Rotarians still make an important contribution to Cure Kids. Find out how at:
www.curekids.rotarysouthpacific.org
