Dear Friends,
On Thursday, June 18th, Taylor Souza was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia, a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow. This is the most aggressive form of leukemia and a dizzying shock to those of us who know and love her.
What started as a routine visit to the pediatrician for an ear infection four days ago has turned into a mind-boggling struggle for a beautiful, dedicated family with a very brave three-year-old with the fight of her life in front of her. Taylor has two loving parents who are prepared to move mountains for their little girl, and a twin sister at home who is already missing “Tay-Tay.”
As I write this, Taylor is undergoing her first round of chemotherapy and her best case scenario is an eight month hospital stay with one week at home every six weeks. She has taken up residence in a shared room at Phoenix Children’s Hospital surrounded by a sea of stuffed animals, lip gloss, and of course- Ariel dolls! She is being shielded from the germs of the outside world for the next few months as her immunity will be completely compromised from the chemo. Her mom, Kristen, will be at her bedside day and night inspiring her to keep smiling and fighting through the inevitable physical pain that will ensue over the coming days and months.
The Souza family is very dependent on Kristen’s income, and at best she will be taking an extended leave of absence from her job, and at worst she will be forced to quit her job.
They are dealing with so much stress right now and they truly need help to make ends meet during this devastating time, so if you are moved to donate, even a small amount, there is an opportunity for you to do so at the top of this page. I have set-up a Pay Pal account under my e-mail address but of course the money is all being transferred to Kristen and Sean’s bank account. Please know the Souzas in no way asked for financial support, but when I asked Kristen if I could set-up a donation account she literally welled up with tears and hugged me. The help is so appreciated!
I am so sorry to hear of the struggles this family faces. What a difficult time. We are keeping the entire Souza family in our thoughts and prayers and are happy to help them (in the small way we can) with a donation. Please send them our best. I hope you are able to generate a lot of support for them through this site- no parent should have to worry about their child's health and their income at the same time. All our best... Ryan and Nancy Kules
ReplyDeleteTay Tay,
ReplyDeleteMiss Lori is thinking about you non-stop and your Mommy and Daddy and Savannah too. I am going to come see you as soon as I know that it is ok. You are a tough little cookie and I know that you are going to kick this thing right in the tush.
Love You
The Tremerolis
HI Taylor~
ReplyDeleteI'm Miss Marcy's sister, Amy. Miss Marcy has told us about how brave and strong you have been. We are so proud of you and are thinking of you every day, all day!
Lots of love,
Amy, Gary, Harrison and Holly Neiss
Taylor, Brynn keeps asking about you and wants to come and visit soon. Colin wants to come too but I told him we're having a "girl's only" party. See you soon, sweetness!
ReplyDeleteHi My Sweet Tay Tay~
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to let you know how much I love and adore you!! Everyone in the Lewis house(including Sugar, Bailey and Speedy) can't wait for you to come back over and play, color, tickle, make cookies....all the fun things we do over here!
Love love love you!!
Miss Marcyyyyaaaaa, Rand, Justin, Noah, Bailey, Sugar and Speedy
Kristen & Sean,
ReplyDeleteRandy & I are so sorry to hear of the news about Taylor. We know that the two of you will find the strength in each other to face what may come. Words of sadness and sorrow are never enough to truly express what we feel upon hearing this news about your beloved daughter. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, as you begin this journey of treatment and recovery! We will continue to monitor the blog for updates. PLEASE let us know if there is anything that we can do to help! Tay,Tay, you are a very strong and brave little girl. Your mommy, daddy and Savannah love you very much. They will be with you through everything. Hugs and kisses coming your way! Love, Therese and Randy Merrill
Kristen and Sean-
ReplyDeleteMy children, Alana and Phillip, and I are asking God to keep you safe and happy and hopeful. You are in the best of hands with the fine staff at PCH! We have first hand knowledge of that. Let me know what I can do to help, Kristen. Alana can watch Savannah. We are only 5 minutes away-any time-day or night.
Krisen-You walked among hundreds and hundreds of survivors last November. Remember that strength, resolve and spirit as you and your family begin your own walk to recovery.
Love you all!
Kelly Casey
Taylor-
ReplyDeleteYour dad called to let me know how much he loves you, and how your mom and dad are doing everything they can to take care of you. From now until you are home and healed, all of your parents' friends are going to pitch in, help and support the Souza family. Most importantly, God is going to help too. So, keep saying your prayers with Mommy, Daddy and Savannah.
Taylor, we love you. You are in our prayers everyday.
Love,
Sean, Coyanne, Brodie and Meaghan Inglis
Kristen & Sean,
ReplyDeleteMy love, support and prayers will be with you throughout this entire fight. Taylor is a brave and strong little girl and is going to make it through this smiling and ready to paint the whole worlds finger nails (bright pink or black)!
I'll be here for you all, every step of the way. I would love to spend extra special time with Savannah too! You all mean so much to me.
All my love,
Jess
XOXO
Kristen & Sean,
ReplyDeleteTaylor WILL be OK. She has incredibly loving,strong and dedicated parents! May our love combined with the love, support and strength from all the people who know your family offer you comfort and additional strength.
We love you guys and plan on doing everything possible to help your entire family.
With love,
Laurie, Troy, Nathan and Allison
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteKristen and Sean,
ReplyDeleteYou guys will make it through this! My prayers are with Taylor and your family. Kristen, you know you can call on me...just say the word. Whatever you can think of just let me know and I will help out any way I can. I know you will be busy, if you want me to have my venture out to Chicago to include Scottsdale, just say it. I love you like a sister and I will be praying for Taylor and your whole family.
Always your friend,
Heather Snider
Hi Taylor...
ReplyDeleteWe just wanted you to know that we are thinking of you everyday! You are such a strong and brave little girl. Baby Kara wears the "yellow bee" outfit that you and Savannah gave her all the time and looks so cute in it! Breck says hi too!
We love and miss you!
-Miss Mika, Breck & Baby Kara
Kristen and Sean-
ReplyDeleteWe can only imagine what you are going through right now and please know that we are sending you our thoughts, prayers and donations. If Taylor is anything like Mom and Dad, she is a fighter and will get through this ordeal.
Our thoughts are with you all!
Love-
Steve and Mercedes
Kristen and Sean-
ReplyDeleteWe can only imagine what you are going through right now and please know that we are sending you our thoughts, prayers and donations. If Taylor is anything like Mom and Dad, she is a fighter and will get through this ordeal.
Our thoughts are with you all!
Love-
Steve and Mercedes
Kristen and Sean,
ReplyDeleteWe are so very sorry to hear the news about Taylor.
We wish you strength and courage in the upcoming weeks.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Jaimee, Brian and Dylan Marks
Kristen and Sean,
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during these challenging times. Taylor, your Mommy, Daddy, Savannah, and your many friends and family love you very much. I know you're going to beat this and come back even stronger for it. Please know we are thinking and praying for you.
Keep the Faith,
The Welsh Family
Dearest Kristen,
ReplyDeleteMy deepest thoughts and prayers are going out to your sweet Taylor and family. Please take good care of yourself, I know she can pull through this! All my love,
Sally
Our deepest sympathy on your news of your daughter Taylor. Our family is thinking and praying for Taylor's health and recovery.
ReplyDeleteThe Lederman Family
Dear Kristen,
ReplyDeleteOut hearts & prayers are with you and your family. We hope Taylor gets well quickly.
The Weiner family (Laurie Thivierge parents)
Kristen,Sean,Taylor,and Savannah,
ReplyDeleteKnowing Kristen as a co-worker, leader, and friend I have learned so much about her. The most admirable element of her character is her incredible amount of strength. The first time I met the girls I knew they have inherited that incredible amount of strength from their mother coupled with their father's. While this fight may seem long, we know who the clear winner will be….. Go Taylor!! We are all praying for you and supporting you and your wonderful family! You are a fighter and we know you will leap all of the obstacles in your way……see you at the finish line!!
Love, Sheetal & Amay Damania
Kristen,Sean,Taylor, and Savannah,
ReplyDeleteMy heart is aching for you right now. I want you to know that I will be praying fervently for Taylor for strength during her treatment and a full and speedy recovery, and I will be asking others to do the same. You are a wonderful family and so fortunate to have each other to cling to during this hard time.
My sisters and I are putting together a fundraiser through our company to try to help with the financial hardship. I will be in touch when we have the details ironed out.
Taylor honey, you don't know me but I remember meeting you when you were just a little baby. I know you'll be so brave! You have LOTS of cheerleaders behind you!
I will be praying that your family will be overwhelmed with an outpouring of love and support during this time. Kristen, although I'm mostly in Tucson, I come up to Phoenix often so please call on me if I can help. Alli is almost 3 too, so if you need someone to look after Savannah from time to time so you and Sean can be together, (OR ANYTHING ELSE), I would be happy to come up. 602.793.3538 or melanie@babyposies.com .
Love, Melanie Schwarz
You are in our daily thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDelete-The Curtis Family
Kristen and Sean,
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and prayers are with you. We know you have a lot of good friends and family, but please let us know if we can do anything to help. Stay strong! Much Love - The Weber Family (Kevin, Mindy, Tatum and Devon)
Kristen and Sean,
ReplyDeleteNo words can explain the challenges facing your family right now, but I wish you all the best for a positive outcome. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers and take comfort in the fact that there is a higher power watching over you all.
-Nia Kiggundu
Oh my! Sean, have you all contacted The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society? I used to work for them in Chicago, they are an amazing organization that can help out extremely! Please let me know if I can help you with this.
ReplyDeleteStephen Meier
Elisa Pinkus said...
ReplyDeleteDear Kristen, Sean, Taylor and Savannah,
We were saddened to hear the news and we want you all to know that our thoughs and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. Savannah will have to come over for a play date with Miss Hailey and Brynn will come over too. Kristen both yourself and Sean are remarkable and brave, both of your girls are so fortunate to have both as parents. Taylor is a SUPER STAR and will conquer this! We love you and are thinking of you all daily. Love, Elisa, Jonathan, and Hailey pinkus
Dear Kristin, Sean, Taylor and Savannah:
ReplyDeleteWe appreciate your daily postings and keeping us apprised of Taylor's progress. Benjamin asks me everyday "how Taylor is feeling." We think of you often and are always here for you...Kristin, if you ever need a "getaway break" for wine, dinner, etc. you are welcome to come to our house ANYTIME. We live close to the hospital and would love to help in any way we can. Hang in there - we love you! Love, Rhonda, Jason, Benajmin & Matthew
Kristin, Sean, Taylor and Savannah,
ReplyDeleteYou all WILL get through this. I have just read every post and the love and shared pain is overwhelming. You are fighters and you have an incredible amount of people in your corner. My thoughts and prayers are of course with you and as many have said, whatever you need, and I mean whatever, all you have to do is just ask. Tay Tay, you have already shown amazing strength and always remember that though we cant always be there physicially with you we will fight for and with you any way we can.
Love you all always,
Mike
Taylor,
ReplyDeleteWe are thinking of you and we will come see you as soon as Mom and Dad say it is ok!
Love,
Miss Gina and Dylan
Kristin, Sean, Taylor & Savanah,
ReplyDeleteYou are in our thoughts daily and we pray for good health for Taylor. If there is anything we can do to help, please do not hesitate at all to let us know.
All our love to your family,
Laurie, Dan, Ian and Katherine Bushell
Kristen, Sean, Taylor and Savannah,
ReplyDeleteWe are keeping you all in our hearts and prayers. I think I may have every person that I know praying for a quick recovery for Taylor. If there is anything that we can do for you please do not hesitate to ask. Taylor, continue to be strong and fight this. You are an amazing little girl. I am reading your blog everyday to check on you. I am expecting to hear that you will be in remission soon!
Heather Atendido
Sean,Kristen,
ReplyDeleteTami and I just want you to know we are here to assist you in any way we can. Please call us for anything you may need while you dedicate yourselves to Taylor's speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and we can't wait to see you back home soon.
Al,Tami,Talia, Michael Renzo