Beating the Odds: From Childhood Cancer Survivor to Advocate
Hello, everyone! My name is Taylor Love, and I’m 19 years old. I’m currently interning with Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, in support of their dedication to raising funds for research for less toxic treatments for childhood cancer. Their mission is incredibly important to me, and here’s why...
Concerned Parents
When I was just 18 months old, my parents noticed that what seemed like a lazy eye, accompanied by a lot of bruising around it, wasn’t improving. Concerned, they took me to the doctor, and that’s when we discovered the reason behind my symptoms: a cancerous tumor growing behind my eye. I was diagnosed with stage 4, high-risk neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that affects nerve cells, at a very young age.
A Whirlwind
The next three years were a whirlwind of intense treatments. I underwent radiation therapy and five rounds of high-dose chemotherapy. My original tumor was discovered to be on my adrenal gland and kidney. The cancer had spread to various parts of my body, including behind both eyes and in both legs. Additionally, it had metastasized to a spot on my head and throughout my bone marrow. Although the initial treatments helped reduce most of the cancer, eventually the disease was no longer responding. My parents were advised to seek treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York City, where I participated in a phase 1 (Hot 3F8) and phase 2 (3F8)* clinical trial.
One of the Lucky Ones
I consider myself one of the lucky ones. These experimental treatments saved my life, but unfortunately the reality is that not every child is as fortunate. Childhood cancer remains the #1 leading cause of death by disease among children in the U.S., underscoring the urgent need for research into less toxic treatments.
Interestingly, I have no personal memory of the trials I went through. According to my mom I was given certain painkillers and support medicines during treatments to offset the side effects of the very treatments I was getting. Those medications had their own side effects like confusion, hallucinations, drowsiness etc. which likely lead to a feeling of 'memory loss.' I think it’s better this way, to not remember the extreme pain I went through, and to only know these things because I am told stories about them.
A New Diagnosis
After more than two years of clinical trials, my neuroblastoma was no longer evident. At this time, I was four years old. I enjoyed a brief period of being a playful kid, but that was cut short. Just before my fifth birthday, I was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), an early stage of leukemia which can be a side effect of chemotherapy and radiation—the very treatments that had initially saved me.
Bone Marrow Transplant
To combat the leukemia, I needed a bone marrow transplant. Finding a donor match is a significant challenge, but I was fortunate enough to have a perfect match. My donor was anonymous at the time, but a year later, I had the chance to meet him and even serve as a junior bridesmaid at his wedding. Trevor and his family have become an significant part of my life, and I’m profoundly grateful for his gift of life.
Fast Forward
Fast forward to today, I’m 19 years old and in good health. I still struggle with some side effects, the biggest one being dental issues. In 2021, I had jaw surgery to correct an extreme under-bite and misalignment of my teeth caused by the radiation therapy. Although the surgery improved my bite, my teeth and their roots are still weak and damaged from the radiation. My dentist has warned me that I will probably lose my teeth within the next five years. I’ll have to deal with that when the time comes, but for now, I’m focused on living life to the fullest.
Despite everything, I’ve beaten the odds and survived cancer twice. My dream is for a world where childhood cancer has a concrete cure—a cure that doesn’t cause relapse, kidney failure, hair loss, or require jaw surgery.
Spreading Hope
That’s why raising funds for research for less toxic treatments is so crucial. By supporting organizations like Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, we can help ensure that future treatments are not only more effective but also kinder to young patients.
My goal now is to spread hope to kids and their families who are facing similar battles. I want them to know that even in the darkest times, there is a reason to believe in a brighter future.
Your support can and does make a difference, and together, we can work towards a world where no child has to endure what I went through. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. It truly means the world to me.
With love,
Taylor Love
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About the Author: Taylor Love is a two-time pediatric cancer survivor. She's now dedicated to advocating for other kids fighting childhood cancer. Taylor is from Northern Virginia and attends East Carolina University where she is studying communications and business. Some of her favorite things to do include hanging out with friends and family and traveling.
Want to get involved in easy and fun ways in support of kids and teens like Taylor? Click HERE to get started!
Know a college student looking to get involved? Check out our GOOD COOKIE CAMPUS CHALLENGE ... Uniting college students across the nation in the fight against pediatric cancer - this September 20th - 30th.
*Cookies for Kids' Cancer funded research that helped lead to a treatment that Taylor received.