During winter, many people get sick. It’s also common for them to avoid seeing a doctor, especially if the symptoms seem minor, like a simple cough. Most of the time, with enough rest, the body recovers on its own. But if symptoms don’t go away and last for a long time, it’s always a good idea to reach out to a doctor for advice.
While colds and flu are usually harmless, sometimes a cough can be a sign of something much more serious. That’s what happened to 16-year-old Shayla Mitchell. She had a persistent cough that wouldn’t go away. At first, she thought it might just be a sinus infection. However, as time went on, her condition didn’t improve. One day, she felt so unwell that she asked her dad, Tom, to take her to the doctor.
Tom agreed without hesitation. After school, he picked Shayla up and took her to the hospital. They even planned to grab some food together afterward. At the hospital, Shayla was examined, and the doctor left the room for a moment. When he returned, he had news that would change their lives forever.
Shayla had a large cancerous tumor covering almost two-thirds of her chest. It had even caused one of her lungs to collapse, which explained why she had been feeling so sick for so long. Despite the heartbreaking news, Shayla and her dad still had dinner together—but instead of a restaurant, they ate at the hospital. They didn’t know then that their next 450 meals would be in the pediatric oncology unit.
Shayla was diagnosed with advanced Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and the outlook wasn’t good. Wanting to show his support, Tom bought matching bracelets for them both, promising to wear his every day until she got better.
Shayla went through countless treatments, tests, and hospital stays. Her dad stayed by her side through it all. But then, doctors told them there was nothing more they could do.
Tom had the hardest conversation of his life. When he finished, Shayla whispered, “Am I still brave, Dad?” A few days later, she passed away. But she never stopped fighting.