Life can be very beautiful, yet it can also be heartbreakingly unfair. I suppose that’s what makes it such an unpredictable journey.
Brianna Rawlings was just 18, 17 weeks into her pregnancy, and eagerly anticipating motherhood when she received shattering news.
Doctors informed the young woman that she had an uncommon and aggressive blood cancer—NK cell leukemia. Prior to that, every symptom she experienced had been dismissed by medical professionals as mere “pregnancy-related issues.”
Nearly midway through her pregnancy, Brianna faced a heartbreaking decision: to end her unborn child’s life and start the treatment that might save her, or continue carrying her son, postponing treatment in the hope that he would thrive …
The courageous teen opted to delay her treatment, prioritizing the birth of her baby. Tragically, fate took a cruel turn, and in the end, her selfless choice led to the loss of both mother and child.
Her son, Kyden, spent only 12 brief days in this world. Though his time was short, he was surrounded by boundless love—enough to last a lifetime. Sadly, being born three months premature proved too much for his tiny body to overcome.
Brianna had developed a severe blood infection, and fearing it could be transmitted to her baby, doctors made the difficult decision to perform an emergency C-section to deliver little Kyden.
In an interview with Femail—reported by the Daily Mail—Brianna shared: “Those 12 days I got to spend with my little boy Kyden, holding him, counting his tiny fingers and toes, and speaking to him just like I did when he was inside me. They were truly precious—the greatest 12 days of my entire life!”
She went on, saying, “It has been incredibly tough, draining, exhausting, and filled with pain. But even though Kyden is no longer here, he gave me the courage to push forward and fight this battle.”
Credit: GoFundMe / Brees Brave Fight
“I want to overcome this terrible disease. I believe in myself, and I made a promise to my son.”
At first, it truly seemed like Brianna was making progress.
Her blood levels started improving, and she pushed herself to the limit, determined to regain strength in her legs.
But heartbreak struck once again. Her health began to decline rapidly, leaving doctors with no choice but to cancel the life-saving bone marrow transplant she was set to receive from her brother.
Credit: GoFundMe / Brees Brave Fight
Instead, doctors offered her a trial drug they believed might improve her chances of survival.
Though the treatment came with a staggering $3,000-per-week cost, her family worked tirelessly to raise the funds, ensuring she could start a steady regimen.
Tragically, she only managed to complete two rounds before the cancer claimed her life.
On December 29, 2018, 19-year-old Brianna Rawlings lost her battle with leukemia—but she faced every moment with a courage and grace that few could ever hope to match.
An incredible testament to the purest form of love.
Our hearts and prayers are with Brianna Rawlings’ family. She was truly an extraordinary soul who gave everything for her child.
If you support the fight against cancer and want to raise awareness, share this story.
Together, we can strive for a future where this devastating disease is defeated!
