Leo Gillick
Two girls have turned their difficult battle through leukemia treatment into a happy story of friendship and shared struggle.
Videos by Rare
At just 12 years old, Peyton and Makayla were told they had lymphoblastic leukemia. The news was devastating to them and their families. It seemed so unfair that before their lives had even begun, they were under threat of them ending.
Is This the End: For the two girls, it felt like life was going to come to a halt. In many ways, it would. The two children would have to undergo lengthy and painful treatments to fight their leukemia.
- “I was asking my mom, am I going to die, will I be able to grow up and get married and have kids and do all of these things I’m supposed to be able to do?” one of the girls recalled. Of course, the parents tried their best to keep spirits up, but it was going to be hard on them all.
Silver Lining
Despite their leukemia and the treatments they underwent, there was one good outcome for the two girls. They met one another and became bonded through their shared ordeal. While taking treatments for their blood disease, Makayla and Peyton formed a famous friendship.
- The medical team at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU suggested the two girls meet. They were both the same age, being born only 3 months apart, and were both undergoing the same treatment. Misery loves company after all.
Now, the two girls stay beside one another as they have their leukemia treatment, battling their cancer together. They can provide mutual support in a way nobody else can. Throughout it all, they help each other cope.
- “If she’s doing it, I can do it; we’re going to get through this together,” Peyton said of her friend. “She’s very kind and beautiful, and also she’s really brave,” Makayla added. With each other to rely on, their otherwise sad diagnosis has become easier to bear.
Even when their parents can’t be there to hold their hands, their new friendship can. It’s a close and wonderful support network, brought together through tragic times.
