Brianna Rawlings was 18 years old, 17 weeks pregnant, and eagerly anticipating motherhood when she received a devastating diagnosis.
Doctors identified the teenager as having a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer, NK cell leukemia. Prior to this, all indications of leukemia were dismissed by hospitals and medical professionals as merely “pregnancy-related symptoms.”
Nearly halfway through her pregnancy, Brianna faced a difficult choice: to terminate her baby’s life and commence treatment that could save her own, or to proceed with delivering her son and forgo treatment in the hope that he would lead a healthy and fulfilling life…
The young woman opted not to pursue treatment while pregnant, instead concentrating on bringing her son into the world. Tragically, however, her selfless decision would ultimately lead to the loss of both mother and child.
Her son, Kyden, survived for only 12 brief days on this planet. He was enveloped in enough love to last a lifetime, but ultimately passed away due to being born three months premature.
Brianna developed a blood infection, and with doctors concerned about the possibility of it being transmitted to the baby, they had no choice but to perform an emergency C-section to deliver little Kyden.
In an interview with Femail, as reported by the Daily Mail, Brianna shared: “Those 12 days I was able to spend with my baby boy Kyden, holding him, counting his toes and fingers, and talking to him as I would when he was in my tummy. They were incredibly special; they were the best 12 days of my life!”
“It has been extremely difficult, long, exhausting, and painful,” she added. “Even though Kyden is no longer with us, he provided me with the strength to continue and overcome this.”
“I am determined to overcome this dreadful illness. I have faith in my ability to do so, and I made a vow to my son.”
Initially, it truly appeared that Brianna was on the path to recovery.
Her blood levels had started to improve, and she was pushing herself to the limit in an effort to regain the functionality of her leg muscles.
Unfortunately, circumstances took a turn for the worse. Her health began to decline steadily, leading the doctors to cancel the scheduled bone marrow transplant that was to be performed by her brother.
Instead, they presented her with a trial medication that they believed would enhance her chances of survival.
Despite the exorbitant cost of $3,000 per week for the treatment, her family successfully gathered the necessary funds to ensure she could commence a regular regimen.
They were able to complete only two rounds of the medication before cancer claimed her life.
Nineteen-year-old Brianna Rawlings succumbed to leukemia on December 29, 2018 – yet she fought valiantly and ultimately departed with a level of dignity that few can aspire to achieve.
This serves as a remarkable testament to the profound love one can possess.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Brianna Rawlings. I believe she was an extraordinary individual. She fought hard for her child.
Please share this article if you are committed to the battle against cancer and wish to raise awareness.
Together, we can hopefully conquer this dreadful disease!