“It is what it is, so let’s just do what we gotta do.”
Miranda tackled each day with cancer unflinchingly. Going through treatment didn’t scare her, and she didn’t seem upset about the doctors warning her about her hair falling out. In fact, it was the thought of her curls coming back that didn’t sit right with Miranda. What a typical teenager would struggle to grasp is something Miranda understood and accepted fearlessly. The time came to shave off her hair, and with a room full of support and tears, Miranda took everything like a champ.
“But she said even if it was a 1% chance… that could be her. She was ready to fight.”
Doctors from the top five pediatric cancer hospitals in the country and two researchers from outside the U.S. were working to help Miranda. Sadly, she became severely immunosuppressed and developed an infection in her blood that was resisting antibiotics. Miranda’s lungs filled with pneumonia, and the infection led to her kidneys and heart failing. After five months and three weeks, on Jan. 30, 2009, Miranda passed away with her family and many other loved ones by her side.
Four Diamonds and the services they provided made sure that Miranda’s family only had to focus on their little girl.
“We spent every moment of every day focused on her and not on bills…”
21 days after Miranda passed, her family attended THON™ Weekend. It felt right to be in the Bryce Jordan Center (BJC) with all of the support in the room. “It felt like the BJC was one huge hug from thousands of people,” said Miranda’s mom.
Going to THON was difficult, but it felt right for Miranda’s family, and they knew she was with them every step of the way. Through her journey with cancer, Miranda’s honesty and bravery remind us how strong Four Diamonds children are. Growing up is a beautiful thing, and every child deserves to experience everything life has to offer.
This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, never forget your why. Why do you THON? Keep that reason strong, true, and honest in your heart, and let it drive everything you do.
For a cure. For more smiles. For The Kids®.
THON™ is able to donate 96 cents of every dollar raised to Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital because of supporters like you. Your generosity creates moments of joy for Four Diamonds children and families and empowers our volunteers through year-round events, fundraisers and THON Weekend.
