Shaylin was a normal third grader who enjoyed cheerleading and ballet when, one day in early 2016, she got hurt while jumping on her home trampoline. This injury turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as the subsequent trip to the hospital revealed that Shaylin had osteosarcoma in her left leg. Since then, Shaylin has endured many surgeries—two of which have been limb salvage—as well as a broken hip. In March 2020, she had another surgery to reduce the length of her right leg to match her left.

Shaylin is very artistic and loves music, playing the piano, painting, and fashion. She designs her own clothes, including tutus that she would leave in the nurses’ station to be shared with other kids. Shaylin spent three years on crutches during her recovery and she came up with the idea to make them more fashionable by adding colorful duct tape, tutu material, and rhinestones. She started making them for her friends in the hospital who were also on crutches, creating different designs for each season. Shaylin dreams of becoming a fashion designer one day and making gowns for children in the hospital.

Shaylin is not only quite talented; she is very smart and brave too. Her strong faith has helped her to overcome her struggles. She is a kind and sweet teenager who always wants to help others. She loves sharing her story with other children in the hospital to inspire and motivate them to stay strong.

Every child who has been diagnosed with childhood cancer inspires us to Rally On to find better treatments with fewer long-term side effects and, ultimately, cures. Please join us in the fight against childhood cancer by making a donation or setting up your own Rally fundraiser today.