Helping Taya Through Her Hospital Stay

Hi all my lovely people. First and foremost let me introduce myself and give a little backstory just in case this reaches people who do not know us or know what has been going on. My name is Monique, I am Tayas mother. Taya is 16, a bright, funny, creative, talented, RESILIENT strong teenager! She was born with Diamond Blackfan Anemia, a bone marrow failure disease. In which Taya cannot produce red blood cells so she receives monthly blood transfusions and faces the many many other complications that come with the disease or side effects of transfusions. One of the side effects from long term blood transfusions is “Iron Overload”. Every transfusion she receives 2-3 bags of blood and with each bag of blood is about 220mg of iron. Since she has been receiving transfusions since 2 months old, the iron has built up and overloaded in some of her main organs. That can lead to serious critical issues, some of which we are already experiencing now. This has led us to a possible 2 month or longer (give or take) hospital admission to treat the iron overload. This year has already been really challenging for Taya health wise and mentally. Although she looks completely normal and healthy, she is far from that. But everyday she never ceases to amaze me and inspire myself and so many other whom know her. Her spirit is what keeps us all going!

I created this for one reason only, because so many of you have asked how you can help support during this challenging time or if you can send things for Taya to make this easier for her or brighten her up. I was soooo hesitant at first because I’m not usually one who likes to asks for much, but so many of you want to bless her and so many have pushed me start one lol. I am overwhelmed with endless gratitude for the way my little but mighty village shows love and support and the amount of prayers always sent and encouraging words. I tell you guys all the time how grateful I am but whew! We wouldn’t make it without the collective support and prayers. I hope you feel and receive my gratitude and love I have for you.

A little about Taya… She loves music, journaling, skincare, makeup, fashion- omg can that girl dress, dancing, food, trying new foods, SpongeBob, spending time with friends, she loves Fall and is highly anticipating it, it’s her fav season, and loves finding little ways to make things feel cozy and beautiful. Living in the hospital for this long is tough, especially for a teen who deserves to feel like herself and deserves to be at school with her peers starting her junior year and just doing what teens do, not having to worry about her health and being limited by it. There will be a lot she needs beyond what the hospital can provide: hygiene, skincare items, my girl loves her everything showers and taking care of herself, blankets, room décor to make her space feel homey and warm, food and snacks she’ll actually enjoy, and activities to keep her busy and uplifted.

Many of you know I’ve also had to put working and the opening of my business on hold while I focus on Taya’s care. I’m still opening whenever we are out of hospital. That’s been difficult, but right now my only priority is being by her side and making sure she has everything she needs.

Every bit of love, prayer, or support means the world. If you’d like to contribute, please know you are helping us bring comfort, joy, and a sense of normalcy to Taya during this long stay. And I can’t express enough from the bottom of my mama heart, thank you for being part of her village. We send all of our love and gratitude. God bless. ♥️