By Terra Avilla
A few weeks ago, twelve-year-old Ayden Yerington was just another happy Richmond School kid. Playing sports and joking around with friends, until a stomachache led his mom, Tasia Harrison, to the doctor where everything changed.
The diagnosis came quickly and is every mother’s worst nightmare.
Being told your child, your absolute love of your life has cancer. I cannot imagine the absolute dismay, sorrow and fear Tasia must have had hearing words no parent should ever have to hear. I am crying right now as I write this, just thinking about it.
Unfortunately, Cancer is a monster, and it doesn’t care what Terra Avilla thinks, so now Tasia, Ayden, and their circle face a reality nobody wants to imagine.
Here in Susanville, we say, “these are our kids,” and here, it’s not just talk. Whether or not Ayden was born to all of us, he’s being raised by this whole community. And I know I am not alone when I say that, even though as a momma we didn’t birth that baby, when we see one of our children and fellow moms need help, it ignites something in ALL our momma hearts.
Since his diagnosis, Ayden’s, as well as Tasia’s world has gotten flipped upside down. The car rides that were once to school are now to the hospital. The happy talk about sports practice are now about how much of school he is going to miss. There is so much wondering what’s next.
His mom is doing everything to keep things together, but the bills are already piling up. She’s strong, but nobody’s strong every day. And nobody should be have to be this strong.
Not when you’re watching your child fight cancer.
I am so proud of our little community, immediately springing into action. Neighbors and friends are swarming to help, and I hope Tasia knows that all of us cry with her.
Richmond School staff and classmates launched the “Flames for Hope” which is an effort to start gestures like messages, pictures, and little tributes that let Ayden know he’s not forgotten, even if he can’t be right there in class.
There is also an upcoming taco feed fundraiser, which will help raise real money to help cover real costs and buy a little peace of mind. A GoFundMe for Ayden has been created, perfect for those who can’t make it but want to help, so Tasia can stop worrying (even for a day) about bills and just focus on Ayden.
I wish this was a feel-good story but it’s not. I cried talking to Tasia about how we can help her. I bawled at her answer, “We appreciate the prayers the most, as I am literally praying for a miracle at this point.”
Tasia, I pray every day for a miracle for you and your sweet boy. I know I’m not alone in doing so. I am asking our town to show up for their own and stand with Ayden this week.
He’s not alone in this fight and neither is his family. They need a lot of support, and there are a lot of good opportunities to give. Whether spoken aloud or held quietly, every hope for Ayden counts and I cannot wait to do a follow up article stating that Ayden is cancer free, and back to being a funny, silly, smart, kid. That’s my prayer.
In the meantime, let’s show Tasia Ayden, why we love this place we call home.
