One of Pura Vida's greatest missions is to bring awareness and support causes that are important to us and our community. When we learned the need of funding and awareness for childhood cancer, we knew it was a cause Pura Vida needed to stand behind! 💛 

Cancer is the number two leading cause of death for children in the United States, however less than 4% of the federal budget for cancer research goes to childhood cancer. Because September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month, we wanted to bring awareness and share the inspiring stories of those within our Pura Vida community. We got to talk with Tyler about her daughter, Lakelyn's journey through childhood cancer.

"Lakelyn was 3 months old when she was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma. Her journey has been up and down. She had her first surgery in May 2019 and went through 6 rounds of chemotherapy for 6 months straight. But this past July 2020 her tumor had returned and she underwent her second surgery.

Becoming a mother is the best thing in the world but having a child with an illness can be hard. You have your good days and you have your bad days. The worst part is going to the doctor and having that “unknown“ feeling about what type of news you will hear next, whether it's good or bad.

I can truly say that Lakelyn is our miracle baby. Her first round of chemotherapy she didn’t lose any hair. She gained weight during her chemotherapy when most kids lose weight or stay the same. She is progressing and learning at her own speed. She didn’t walk until she was maybe 13 or 14 months old and she’s just now starting to form words.

Because I'm only 24 years old and Lakelyn is my first child, her having to go through this at such a young age has taught me how to be a very STRONG MOTHER for her. I have learned that if you are STRONG then your child will be as well. Sometimes I do have my moments where I just break down cry, which I've learned is okay. But I've realized that I can’t give up -- I have to keep pushing and know that there is going to be good days and bad days. For any families that are facing a similar journey as we are, always remember YOU GOT THIS! 💪💛🌻"

- Tyler Peoples

You can show your support, bring awareness, and help Pura Vida give back with our Cure Childhood Cancer Awareness charity bracelet and partnership with Cure Childhood Cancer! 🎗

You can also head to Lakelyn's GoFundMe to donate directly to her and her family! 

Photos: @lakelyn.thedoll

Comment below with all the mighty little warriors you know that have battled childhood cancer! 💛