Four-year-old Hank Taylor is a cancer survivor who has learned the importance of every day.
Hank’s mother, Molly Taylor, said he corrects anyone who asks his age, stating, “No, I’m four and a half,” per NBC DFW.
Hank was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive soft tissue cancer, in July 2020. His family was shocked by the diagnosis, but thanks to the medical team at Children’s Health Dallas, Hank has emerged a survivor.
Hank underwent a year of treatment at Children’s Health Dallas, spending the majority of that time in the hospital. Despite the daunting prospect of spending a year in a hospital, Molly said it was not as terrible as it sounds, thanks to the incredible care they received.
Hank’s pediatric hematologist and oncologist, Dr. Tanya Watt, said the hospital’s entire support staff works to ensure families receive the best possible care.
“I think it’s one of the amazing things we have here at Children’s is just an entire support staff whose goal is really to make sure the entire family is getting cared for. It’s financially difficult. It’s socially difficult. It’s emotionally difficult,” said Dr. Watt, per NBC DFW.
Molly credits the medical care for Hank’s recovery and emotional care for his thriving through the treatments. She was especially grateful for the support they received during the difficult times.
“They just made it so joyful for him. He has so many nurse friends that he just absolutely adores,” said Molly, per NBC DFW.
Hank not only made friends with the nurses who cared for him but also lifted their spirits with his playful superhero costumes. He even had his favorite part of the hospital, saying, “I like the playroom,” per NBC DFW. Dr. Watt said moments such as these make the job worthwhile for everyone involved.
“Because we take these children through and these families through really, really rough times. But the hope is they come out on the other side, and they go save the world or do whatever they want to do,” she said, per NBC DFW.
Hank’s journey has been one of resilience and hope, and his message to all who helped him through his battle is a simple one: “I love you.”
With his cancer battle behind him, Hank is now ready to take on the world.
