A mother who found out that she had terminal cancer just days after welcoming her "miracle baby" has sadly passed away.
Taylor Johnston, a 29-year-old Melbourne mother, received the earth-shattering news of her cancer diagnosis only 10 days after the birth of her daughter.
Taylor and her husband, Jesse, faced years of fertility challenges before turning to IVF treatment, which ultimately led to the birth of their daughter, Billie Mae, on May 19.
However, what should have been a time of joy was overshadowed by a grim discovery. During a grueling 25-hour labor that concluded with an emergency cesarean section and significant blood loss, medical professionals uncovered a polyp in Taylor's cervix.
The couple's joy of welcoming their daughter was cut short when, just 10 days later, test results confirmed the growth was cervical cancer. This diagnosis took a darker turn as subsequent MRI tests and PET scans revealed the cancer had spread to Taylor's bone marrow.
Tragically, Taylor passed away on September 18, as confirmed by the family's GoFundMe page.
In a poignant update on the crowdfunding platform, the family shared: "Our beloved Taylor gained her angel wings and is now watching over us."
Taylor and her husband, Jesse, had tied the knot in 2022 and underwent two rounds of IVF before their dream of parenthood was realized.
Tributes have been pouring in from loved ones who are taking a moment to remember Taylor. One friend expressed: "Another beautiful soul taken way too soon. Rest in peace, Taylor Johnston, your forever smile, contagious energy, and kind spirit will live on."
Another heartfelt message read: "My beautiful, beautiful Tay, you were the sunshine, you were everything all at once. You had a lightness about you that no one will ever replace. My heart breaks for your baby girl and the man of your dreams. My heart is shattered."
The Rye Netball Club, where Taylor played, also released a brief statement mourning her tragic passing. It read: "The Rye Football Netball Club is heartbroken to hear of the passing of one of our most loved netballers, Taylor Johnston, after a short but brave battle with cancer.
"Taylor was loved by all those that she met and shared the court or dance floor with her. A feisty and determined defender on the court and Rye player for the past seven years. It was Taylor's kind and positive personality that made her the ultimate teammate and friend.
"Together, we will always remember and honor Taylor and the remarkable impact she has had on all that were lucky to meet her. She was the life of the party, always kind, and her laughter was contagious."
Our thoughts are with Taylor's loved ones during this difficult time.
