Brianna Rawlings was 18 years old, 17 weeks pregnant, and looking forward to becoming a mother when she was dealt a devastating blow.
Doctors diagnosed the teenager with a rare and aggressive blood cancer, NK cell leukemia. Before that, all signs of leukemia had simply been dismissed by hospitals and doctors as “pregnancy-related symptoms.”
Almost halfway through her pregnancy, Brianna was given the choice to either terminate her baby and begin life-saving treatment, or continue with the pregnancy and delay treatment in the hope her son would be born healthy and happy…
The young woman chose not to undergo treatment while pregnant, instead focusing on bringing her son into the world. In a tragic turn of events, however, her sacrifice ultimately led to the loss of both mother and baby.
Her son, Kyden, lived for just 12 short days. He was given enough love to last a lifetime, but sadly passed away after being born three months premature.
Brianna had developed a blood infection, and with doctors concerned it could be passed on to the baby, they were forced to deliver Kyden via emergency C-section.
In an interview with Femail, as reported by the Daily Mail, Brianna shared: “Those 12 days I was able to spend with my baby boy Kyden—holding him, counting his toes and fingers, and talking to him like I did when he was in my tummy—were so special. They were the best 12 days of my life.”
“It’s been very hard, long, exhausting, and painful,” she continued. “Even though Kyden is no longer with us, he gave me the strength to go on and beat this.”
I want to overcome this terrible disease. I truly believe I can, and I made a promise to my son.”
At first, it genuinely seemed like Brianna was improving.
Her blood levels had started to rise, and she was pushing herself to the limit, trying to get her leg muscles working again.
Sadly, things took another turn for the worse. Her condition gradually began to decline, forcing doctors to cancel the bone marrow transplant they had planned for her with her brother as the donor.
Instead, she was placed on a trial medication that doctors hoped could improve her chances of survival.
Although the treatment cost an overwhelming $3,000 per week, her family worked hard to raise the funds so she could continue the therapy.
She was able to complete only two cycles of the drug before the cancer ultimately took her life.
Nineteen-year-old Brianna Rawlings passed away from leukemia on December 29, 2018. Throughout her illness, she showed remarkable courage and strength.
Her story reflects deep love and the determination she showed for her child.
Brianna’s family continues to be in people’s thoughts, and her experience has been shared by many as a reminder of the impact of cancer and the importance of continued awareness and research.
