The unthinkable has hit home. Here begins the story of Carys’s journey with Acute Myeloid Leukemia…

Shortly after Carys’s 11th Birthday this year, she woke up and was unable to open her right eye. Her mom, Taryn Garbitt, immediately took her to the Dawson Creek hospital where the Doctor on call discovered a tumor behind the eye.  They were immediately referred to the children’s hospital in Vancouver where a biopsy was performed. On June 28, 2017, the results of the biopsy & a brief were given to Taryn and Gramma Carrie Garbitt, along with a referral to an oncologist for the next week. As it was a long weekend, rooms were unavailable; which worked out fortunately for the family, as they returned to Dawson Creek, for what will likely be the last time for quite a while.

After an appointment with the oncologist on July 4, 2017, Taryn was given the diagnosis, Myeloid Sarcoma or Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a rare form of leukemia typically affecting bone marrow. The treatment plan begins with aggressive chemo for a minimum of 4 months to 6 months. During this time Carys & Taryn will need to remain in Vancouver. 

For the next several months, life has been turned completely upside down. Taryn will be with Carys in Vancouver, while she is receiving her treatment, this however means her two young children as well as her older daughter will be here in Dawson Creek without her and will also be unable to see their sister. Maintaining some sense of normalcy for the family here is also a priority, as it is going to be hard enough to carry on without being together. 

Right now, Taryn’s only focus is getting her girl better. Support from family, friends & the community will help alleviate as much stress as possible, and allow her to be there for Carys, in whatever capacity necessary. This is going to be  a long journey, one that no mother and child should have to bear, with your generosity, perhaps we can help lighten the burden.