The Jacobson sisters, Bailey, 16, and Taylin, 11, both attend New Rockford-Sheyenne School in Sheyenne, North Dakota. They share a love of volleyball, basketball and their dog, Zoey. Unbelievably, the girls are also both cancer survivors, diagnosed five years apart with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Taylin was only 5 years old when the cancer was discovered in her neck and abdomen. Immediately, she began months of treatment at Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center.
“It was a very scary time for all of us,” said the girls’ mom, Karla. “Since Taylin was so young, there were many trying days. However, the nurses never let that impact them and always came back asking if we ever needed anything.”
Just last September, years after Taylin finished treatment, the family was stunned when Bailey was diagnosed with the same cancer—right before her 16th birthday.
“I have asked how two of my five children could have the very same diagnosis,” Karla said. “But we don’t have any answers, even after genetic testing.”
After traveling home for a weekend to allow Bailey to celebrate her birthday and attend Homecoming, the Jacobsons returned to Fargo and once again placed their trust in the team at Roger Maris. “They welcomed us with open arms and remembered our family, which meant so very much,” Karla said. “I knew she would be in good hands.”
Today, both girls are cancer-free and enjoying the summer before Taylin begins sixth grade and Bailey starts her junior year of high school. The family is forever grateful for the care they received, close to home, at Roger Maris.
“During our time at Roger Maris we met the most wonderful and compassionate people,” Karla said. “Words really can’t even describe the care”.
Support the Future of Cancer Care
Year after year, an increasing number of men, women and children across North Dakota, western Minnesota and beyond turn to Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo for hope, healing and comfort. Since Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center opened in 1990, its lifesaving mission has not changed, but cancer treatment and the needs of our patients have. Over the past decade, cancer cases at Roger Maris have increased by 34%, to more than 2,000 patients—including 60 to 70 children—every year.
Together, we can help enhance the programs and services patients count on today while expanding treatment options, like bone marrow transplant, fueling research and building the workforce of the future reimagine a new era of care at Roger Maris Cancer Center for generations to come.
Give now to provide hope and healing to patients at Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center today and for years to come.
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