<div>Hi everyone,
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<div>I’m writing this on behalf of someone truly remarkable—Tayla. If you know her, you already know she’s a force of nature. She’s funny, fiery, sarcastic, and above all, one of the most compassionate people you’ll ever meet. At just 28 years old, Tayla is facing Stage 4 Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC), a rare and aggressive cancer, but she refuses to let it break her spirit or define her life.
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<div>When Tayla was diagnosed on August 29th, 2024, doctors told her to quit her job, start ticking off her bucket list, and focus on the time she has left. But anyone who knows Tayla knows that’s not her style. She flat-out refused to give up her dream job working at the Animal Welfare League, where she’s been dedicating herself to helping homeless animals since 2018. It’s her passion, her purpose, and the place where her compassion truly shines.
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<div>Her journey hasn’t been easy:
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<li>It began in October 2022 after a severe bout of COVID led to complications and a misdiagnosed persistent cough. Despite countless tests and hospital visits, she was told by multiple GPs that her symptoms were “stress-induced” or “anxiety-related.”
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<li>In late 2023, Tayla’s health took a turn for the worse. After being sent home from the ER twice for breathing difficulties, she underwent emergency surgery that resulted in a tracheotomy. She spent 16 days in the hospital, learned to breathe and talk again, and endured months on a restricted diet.
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<li>In March 2024, just days after marrying her best friend and partner of 8 years, Curtis, Tayla underwent more surgeries, including the removal of part of her voicebox and vocal cord, leaving her with only a whisper.
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<div>This change has been monumental in Tayla’s life. Once known for being “loud,” Tayla is still loud in her presence and energy to those who know her, but she can no longer speak above a whisper. It’s a constant reminder of her battle, especially when people who don’t know her story ask if she’s “lost her voice” or had a “big night out.”
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<div>Since October 2024, she has been undergoing experimental chemotherapy as part of the only trial available for her rare cancer. The cancer has spread to her liver, spine, pelvis, ribs, sternum, and throat, but Tayla continues to face every challenge with fierce determination.
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<div>Throughout this journey, Tayla’s family has been her rock. They’ve been there through every single appointment, treatment, and surgery, offering unwavering support. Along with her husband Curtis, they’ve kept Tayla surrounded by love and strength, helping her face each day.
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<div>Despite everything, Tayla has remained fiercely resilient. But main thing has shaken her confidence: her beautiful long hair, which she’s always kept natural, has started thinning and falling out from her treatments. For someone as independent and selfless as Tayla, asking for help doesn’t come easy. It took months of convincing from her friends to let us raise funds for something just for her. After much hesitation, Tayla finally agreed—on the condition that this isn’t about pity.
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<div>Our goal to raise $3,779 for a custom wig has been blown out of the water, and now we are wanting to raise a total of $25,000 so Tayla and Curtis can finally go on a Honeymoon. Not only this, but any amount of money will assist Tayla and her family with ongoing medical costs. 
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<div>Tayla doesn’t want to be defined by her diagnosis. Despite everything, she continues to work at the job she loves, surrounded by homeless animals and her amazing team at AWL. She’s married to Curtis, her partner of 8 years, who has been by her side every step of the way. And she’s finding joy in other things, like adopting Archie the loveable lab, who gives her a renewed sense of purpose.
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<div>Tayla never complains, even when her challenges seem insurmountable. She always says, “It could be worse,” and focuses on what she can do. But the truth is, Tayla deserves all the support we can give.
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<div>Please consider donating to this fundraiser for Tayla’s to support her through this challenging time. Your donation will help her feel like herself again—strong, composed, and confident—because that’s who she is at her core.
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<div>Thank you for helping us give back to someone who has given so much to others. Every donation, share, and kind word means the world.
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Steve Close

Anonymous

Shontei Felise

Nick & Rosemary Ioannidis

Lucas Brayovic

erika cutts

Kathy Hollingworth

Izzie Vadala

Mandy Sultana

Lisa Huntington

Simran Popal

Dylan Currey

Jaak Hallcroft

Lawrence Kwan

Jessica Mathers

Emily Auddino

Isabel o

Tayla's Journey With Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

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Tayla's Journey With Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

Still $4,525 to go. Help us build momentum.