Tallulah is a whirlwind of joy — a budding chef and a princess who likes to breakdance. Her mom, Melissa, says it’s impossible to have a bad day with Tallulah in your life.
Then cancer took over Tallulah’s days. Chemo dictated their lives for 796 straight days. RSV, double pneumonia, and sepsis lead to 19 terrifying days in the pediatric intensive care unit. Day after day, Jillian, Connor’s Heroes Program Director, showed up outside their hospital room. She dropped off lunch, sent texts, and offered support. Melissa remembers Jillian waving through the blinds, reassuring her that they weren’t alone. Outside their hospital room, a whole community stood with them — lifting them up.
Finally, the day came and Tallulah rang the bell, marking the end of treatment.
Tallulah is back to filling her days with dance, dreams, and delight. And Melissa? She’s cherishing every moment watching her daughter not just survive, but thrive.
Tallulah • 5 years old
Diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) B-Cell in June 2022
Through my tears, I kept seeing Jillian show up, wave, drop off lunch, or text me that she was there for us in whatever capacity I needed her.
