Zhyria Fights Childhood Cancer

My 12-year-old daughter, Zhyria Keyaira Currie has been diagnosed with Osteosarcoma Cancer. Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer in children and adolescents. The tumor often originates in the long bones of the body, and while osteosarcoma frequently starts in a particular bone, it can potentially move to other sites in the body, such as the lungs and other bones. On May 21st 2018, I took Zhyria to see her primary pediatrician for pain in her knee. The pediatrician checked her and sent her for an x-ray. Afterwards she was taken back to school to finish the day. A couple of hours later the pediatrician called me back to her office to go over the x-ray results. She told me that, “It looks like cancer”, and Zhyria needed to go see the specialist in Atlanta. After the school day had ended, I took Zhyria back to the doctor’s office to hear the results of her x-ray. I wish I could describe in words how I felt, the moment that I heard the results or even the moment that I witness Zhyria get the news, but I can’t. All that I  can say is it was not a good feeling.   Zhyria missed the last week of school, and was off to start what is now her fight against childhood cancer.  On May 22nd 2018, she was admitted to the Children’s Hospital Of Atlanta -Scottish Rite,  where she received her first MRI. On Friday May 25th 2018, she had a biopsy and the doctor told me she had osteosarcoma. On May 31st 2018, she had a CT scan and PET scan. On June 1st 2018, her oncologist told me that the cancer had spread to her lungs, and near her spine. On June 8th 2018 she started her first chemo treatment. On Saturday June 23rd 2018, she noticed that her hair was starting to come out. Now she’s facing possible amputation of her right leg because the tumors have gotten bigger.  At a time that should be carefree, when she should be focused on starting 7th grade, bff’s, and etc. She must now learn to accept hospitals, nurses and doctors as her new reality.  Zhyria turned 12 years old on July 19th 2018. I never thought we'd celebrate her 12th birthday in the hospital but God is still good. I thank Him for the 12 years that He has blessed me with her. We had another celebration several days later at her favorite Mexican restaurant.  We live about 4 hours away from the Children’s Hospital of Atlanta. We will continue to commute back and forth for treatment.  In an attempt to keep some sense of normalcy, we have decided not to relocate to Atlanta. Zhyria loves her school and being with her friends. She loves attending church, volunteering, family time, making jokes and playing pranks, eating/ trying new foods, and dogs. She’s one of the sweets little girls you’ll ever meet, she has a compassionate heart. She wants to be a mental health counselor when she grows up.  She’s very resilient and has a strong-will, even when she is tired she continues to fight.   I am a single mother, sole provider for Zhryia and her 15 year old sister Za’Miriya. When we found out that Zhyria was sick, I had to take leave from work to care for her. I have used all of my paid leave time and am currently on leave without pay. We are fortunate to have support from family, friends, co-workers, church members, etc. Needless to say we have only just begun this journey on Zhyria’s fight again cancer. We need your support! We are thankful for all of the positive thoughts and encouragement, well wishes, phone calls, visits, etc. We are asking for any amount of donation that you can contribute. Also and even more important, we ask for your prayers. Thank You, I appreciate you more than I will ever be able to explain.