In a story of too many miracles, hope for one more
Experiencing a miracle, not to mention witnessing one, ought to be a rare blessing.
Yet, at 9 years old, Taylor Radtke has needed more miracles than most of us would ever want to be a part of.
We first started chronicling Taylor's heroic struggles against a rare bone disease two years ago. The Johnsburg girl's hopes at that time were virtually nonexistent, but thanks to the determination of her family, her own indomitable spirit and the generosity of her community, neighbors and doctors who came forward without ever knowing her before hearing her story, opportunities kept returning to overcome what seemed to be insurmountable obstacles.
And we were fortunate to be along to watch many of those triumphs and to share them with you.
We were there in October 2007 when, donning a khaki zookeeper's outfit, she and her family were treated to a dream trip to the San Diego Zoo. Several weeks later, we brought you stories and pictures of her trip to Phoenix, Ariz., where a team of neurosurgeons removed a brain tumor caused, it turned out, by fibrous dysplasia, a rare disease that spreads from a patient's bones, in her case the one that supports the brain.
She and her family shared with us and with you their joy when the post-operation prognosis was so good that it appeared she would not have to see the neurosurgeons for a checkup for another two years. And, in October 2008, it was a joy to report that Taylor had returned to competitive cheerleading with the Johnsburg J-Hawks.
But earlier this year, we learned that Taylor's tumor had returned and she would need more surgery. This week, her family shared the sad news that a third tumor has developed, is spreading and, this time, operating can't help.
That is not the end of Taylor's story, however. Jameel Naqvi's report this week showed the resilience and resolve of Taylor and her family.
"I'm still in fight mode," mother Laurie declared. "As a mom, I can't give up."
Nor can any of us.
The Radtkes' story of faith and determination remains inspirational. Moreover and perhaps just as important, it is not isolated. Sadly, struggles like Taylor's are shared by hundreds, perhaps thousands of children throughout the Chicago area. The stories are too many to be told each and all - and it's not likely every family is willing to share so publicly their difficulties and the rawness of their grief when things don't go as hoped.
Still, those like Taylor's that we can tell do something special for all of us.
Yes, they remind us of the fragility of life and, sometimes, the vicissitudes of hope. But they also show us the strength of the human spirit and introduce us to remarkable neighbors of all ages. Through the outpouring of support that has followed the Taylor Radtke story, they also show us the power of community - and remind us that, for all the cynicism and isolation of our times, the blessing of community spirit remains vigorous and generous whenever we see suffering.
I'm not sure how many more miracles may lie in store for Taylor Radtke and her family. It's hard to imagine how many more they can take. But for her sake, and all of ours, let's join in hope that we'll someday soon be able to report at least one more.
• Jim Slusher is an assistant managing editor at the Daily Herald.