Support Taylor with his battle against Cancer

Dear family and friends,

As many of you know our oldest son Taylor has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma. On November 7th he had a biopsy surgery on a small lump under his armpit. Previous ultrasounds and tests showed that the lump was nothing to be concerned about. His doctor said to revisit after three months if the lump was still present. Two months went by and the lump was still there so we pushed to re scan and re test. Taylor never showed signs of being sick. Eating and feeling fine with perfect bloodwork, but we still felt uneasy. We moved forward with getting a biopsy. Surgery went well, but the surgeon informed us that whatever it is, he was not able to remove it all and the only thing to do is wait for results. About a week later we got a call to come in immediately. We got delivered the news that is a parents worst nightmare. Taylor has cancer. From here life is just a blur. We got more opinions, What felt like 100 more tests and scans and ultimately got set up with the most fantastic oncologist at OHSU Doernbecher. She moved fast on a plan as this is a very rare, aggressive cancer. She is amazing and we are so blessed to be in her care. She also happens to be the director of oncology and hematology and specializes in Rhabdo. Taylor had his port placement surgery on November 25th and immediately following, he was admitted and started chemo. He receives chemo every week at this time and will for approximately a year. Its a very large "road map" as they call it, so we just take it day by day, the only thing to do. Every three weeks he gets a triple dose of chemo that he is admitted for and stays for a couple of days. Taylor has completed 8 weeks of chemo so far. He is so strong, mentally and physically just handling this all like a champ, truly an inspiration. He is in 8th grade and attends school when he feels well enough. He is unable to do most of the things that he loves and what every 14 year old boy should be doing (sports, girls, trips, getting into trouble and more). His childhood has been taken from him for now, but like I said, he is so strong, like superhero strong and he WILL beat this. As parents we have always known how special he is, but he is going to show the world just how special and he is going to do amazing things with his life.

As you can imagine this has taken an unspeakable toll on our family. Our home is full of love and that's what we hold onto. His brothers Turner (12) and Tommy (7) have been troopers as well, dealing with being shuffled around for appointments and everything else in-between.

Due to the amount of treatments and care needed, Tays Mom is back to being a stay at home mom and Dad is working endless hours. We have a great support system and have the help needed with Taylors brothers for school and sports etc. We feel the love from every direction, so many friends and family have offered support in various ways, really showing us what an impact this boy has made on friends, family and in our community. Its been very hard to create this account because, well its another form of accepting that we are in fact, living this nightmare. That being said, we have decided to set up this GoFundMe as a way that people can help. With losing an income and medical bills rolling in, we have accepted that this is where we need help the most at this time.

We are so proud of our young man and his strength to fight through this battle with his head high. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the support.

With Love,

Taylors mom and dad

Bubba & Lissa Young