Help Tayla Fight Stage 4 Cancer - Ewing’s Sarcoma Relapse

Jess Firkin is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Tayla Jane Firkin.

Donation protected

Dear friends, family, and compassionate supporters,

It breaks my heart to share this news. My little sister, Tayla, just 25 years old, is facing a devastating relapse of Ewing’s Sarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer that has now spread from her pelvis into to her spine. This is her second time fighting for her life, and her prognosis is a reality that no young person should ever have to face: A less than 10% chance of making it through the next 1.5 years.

The original tumour, which was found a few weeks ago in her pelvis, has grown 5cm in a matter of weeks (now 7.1cm large), and is now in her spine. With such drastic growth in a short amount of time, it means it could continue to spread quickly if she doesn't start treatment immediately.

Let’s quickly rewind the clock for those who don’t know Tayla and her story. In 2021, Tayla had just celebrated her 22nd birthday — in the peak of her life with the world at her feet — when she was heartbreakingly diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. What was assumed to be “work-related shoulder pain” was quickly revealed to be the unimaginable: 14 tumours spread throughout her body and an aggressive disease that required intensive chemotherapy for 11 months.

I love her so much, and it breaks my heart to see her in so much pain, fighting for her life again. What Tayla has already endured — and what she will have to endure again — is something no one should ever have to go through.

Our goal now is to keep her alive for as long as we can, give her every possible chance to fight (which is unfortunately linked to medical trials and VERY high costs) and ensure she has the financial stability to stay comfortable through this horrific journey. Sadly, Tayla’s body can no longer endure the same treatment due to the toxicity. This means the only option left is to eventually find a trial chemotherapy, which isn’t government funded.

This is more than just a fight for medical treatment; it’s a fight for my little sister’s life, her dreams, and her future. Your support is not just a donation; it is a lifeline for Tayla, offering her the hope and opportunity she so desperately needs to overcome this unimaginable challenge.

Tayla’s second battle against stage 4 cancer is filled with uncertainty. After initially facing 14 tumors and an aggressive disease, the news of her relapse is devastating. The location of her tumor is in her pelvis and has now grown 5 cm, and with that, has spread into her spine. This not only severely impacts her ability to physically support herself, but much worse, from there it could quickly spread anywhere. With each passing day, the stakes grow higher. Her life is now in jeopardy and we need all the help we can get to give her the best chance to survive this battle.

Our Goal is to raise $100,000 to cover these essential expenses, which will help with:

Clinical Trials, the most probable way to keep her alive: these are in the hundreds of thousands.
Medical expenses (Monthly Scans: $3,500 each to monitor her condition. GP Appointments: $180 per visit, twice per week. Specialist Consultations: $300 per visit, twice per week).
Travel and accommodation for specialised treatments in AUS and USA.
Support services for Tayla and our family.
A family member to leave full time work and care for Tayla.
Everyday living expenses.

How You Can Help:

1. Donate: Any amount, large or small, will bring us closer to securing Tayla’s treatment.

2. Share: Please, if you know anyone who might be kind enough to share this, it would be so deeply appreciated. Spreading Tayla’s story is crucial in gathering support.

3. Support: If you have resources or connections that could assist, please reach out. Every bit of help is deeply appreciated.

For anyone who knows Tayla, you understand how incredibly beautiful, kind, and caring she is—a true light in the lives of everyone around her. Her contagious positivity uplifts those lucky enough to know her, making it all the more heartbreaking that she must endure this painful journey, fighting for her life for a second time. The last thing she wants is to bring sadness to others. For all of you who love her, I urge you to keep her spirits high and believe in her strength, just as she believes in each of you!

I don’t want my little sister fighting this alone. I will update you on her journey, surgeries, radiation treatment, chemotherapy treatment, response to this, and even the things she experiences to keep her active and happy.