Four days away from her fifth birthday, Braylynn Lawhon was diagnosed with DIPG. Since then, her mother, Allyn Parker began documenting Braylynn’s journey and her battle with DIPG and shared it on social media to spread awareness.
It is surprising but true that despite the death of hundreds of children every year due to DIPG, the awareness for this glial tumor is scarce. Parker’s efforts, in spite of all the pain she was going through as a mother, made many in the world aware about DIPG.
A photograph that she shared showing Braylynn Lawhon and her crying grandfather next to her had gone viral on the Internet. Her grandfather was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer and ALS – he passed away soon after Braylynn did in January 2018.
Braylynn and her grandfather | Photo: Alynn Parker
Parker wrote in her Facebook post, “We all thought that they would outlive the rest of us…and we certainly never thought that my precious little Braylynn would be the first to go. Last year was hard for us, but I can’t even begin to explain how difficult this year will be and has already been. In a few days I will have to bury this beautiful little girl. Months, maybe even weeks, later, I will have to bury my father.” The photograph made an impact that no amount of words ever can.
The treatment for the little girl cost about $18000 to be spent every 3-7 weeks. The family had started a GoFundMe page where many people came forward to help. And this is a story similar to what hundreds of families go through every year.
In such a state of shock, Parker had planned a princess-themed funeral for her sweetheart. She knew that the child deserved the best. As she passed through the most difficult phase of her life, she remembered to share her daughter’s story in the hope that no other mother has to go through what she did.
The Marc Jr Foundation is committed to finding a cure for DIPG and saving lives. Your smallest act of support, will mean the world to the families battling DIPG. Let’s make a difference together.
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