On October 30th, our lives were turned upside down. Our best friend, Tayla, went to the hospital for a tooth infection that led to a sinus infection. The antibiotics she was prescribed weren’t working and things escalated quickly, she suspected she was going into sepsis. After dropping her son off at school she went to Peace Arch Hospital where routine bloodwork revealed alarming results and Tayla was flagged for Leukemia. Within 72 hours she was transferred to VGH where further testing and a bone marrow biopsy confirmed she has Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

AML develops when certain bone marrow cells mutate and grow uncontrollably. The doctors explained that it isn’t caused by anything that anyone does - it’s a random event that can happen to anyone at any time.

Over the coming week, Tayla’s medical team will run additional tests to determine her risk level and whether her Leukemia involves any genetic mutations. This will help guide her treatment plan.

For now, Tayla will begin her first round of chemotherapy - known as “3+7”, a combination of two chemotherapy drugs given over 7 days. This first phase aims to put the cancer into remission. She’ll remain in the hospital for about four weeks while her body responds to treatment. If all goes well she’ll move into outpatient care for additional rounds of chemotherapy over the coming months. In total, her treatment journey is expected to take 4-6 months.

Tayla is one of those rare souls who makes everyone feel like they matter. Her energy, laughter, and compassion light up every room she walks into. She’s a teacher in the Surrey School District, a beloved basketball coach and player, and an active member of her flag football community. She’s a devoted mother, a supportive partner, a loving daughter and sister, and a fiercely loyal friend. She is the heart of her home. Tayla has spent her life showing up for others - whether in her classroom, on the court or field, or in her relationships.

With Tayla focusing on her recovery, she and her family are facing unexpected costs like out-of-pocket medical expenses, nutritional supplements, transportation/parking, and childcare. We’ve set an initial goal to help cover immediate and ongoing costs over the next 4-6 months. If we’re able to surpass this goal, any additional funds will continue to support Tayla’s recovery and long term care needs. Your donation, no matter the amount, will help ease the financial burden so Tayla can focus on what matters most - healing and spending time with her support system. If you’re unable to contribute financially, sharing this fundraiser and spreading awareness means just as much.

Tayla has spent her life pouring into others and cheering them on - now it’s our turn to lift her up. Thank you for all of the love, prayers, and support as she begins this fight with the same strength, humour, and heart she brings to everything she does.