May Day Basket - In Honor Jack Taylor & Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness
Annual May Day Basket Registration
Supporting Jack, the Taylor Family, & the Child Life Department at John’s Hopkins Children’s Center through Peaceful Petals.
Pop into Peaceful Petals April 27th-30th and purchase flowers to fill a basket to beautify your front door/porch while benefitting Jack, the Taylor Family, and the Child Life Department at Johns Hopkins Children's Center.
On February 13th, 2023, Megan and Jason Taylor were told their son had a large mass in his brainstem. At that time, the Taylor’s thought that would be the worst of it – a diagnosis & an 8-hour craniotomy – and off to recovery they’d go. But as they approach year two of this new life, Jack continues to struggle.
While Jack’s tumor prognosis seems good – low grade & not aggressive – the location is devastating. His tumor is inoperable and is slow to respond to treatment. After Jack’s targeted chemotherapy began on May 4th, his young body began to weaken. On Mother’s Day, he had his first cyanotic spell leading him to pass out unconscious. Those spells continue to this day, several leading to life resuscitating measures. In addition to the episodes, Jack continues to suffer from chronic pneumonia, hypoxia, right side weakness, and rapid weight gain. Since January 3rd, 2024 - Jack has been to the hospital five times and has had to spend a majority of the other time at home with supplemental oxygen.
The Taylor’s feel fortunate that Jack’s tumor has not grown, however the tumor has also not shrunk since summer of 2023. Jack’s team of doctors increased his dosage on his chemotherapy drugs at the beginning of January 2024 and they will continue to work with his doctors and care team to fight the tumor. You can learn more about and follow his story at www.wegotyourbackjack.org
As a community, we will continue to come together every May Day to show support for Jack and the Taylor crew, brightening their day and reminding them of the love their community has for them one basket at a time.
When you purchase your flowers, let the cashier know you are participating in May Day to receive your ribbon to attach to your basket. A $10 registration fee will be collected at time of flower purchase this year to cover the cost of your ribbon ($1) and provide a donation ($9) to the Child Life Department at Johns Hopkins Children's Center (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/johns-hopkins-childrens-center/patients-and-families/child-life). Child Life works to reduce the stress and anxiety children and families experience related to healthcare and hospitalization by enhancing their emotional and social well-being by promoting effective coping through developmentally appropriate education, preparation, procedural support, and therapeutic play opportunities, amongst various other methods.
If you are not local and would still like to donate, please select that option below under "Likely Flower Pickup Day" and you will receive an email.
Two amazing gift baskets will be awarded again this year. One to the basket that win Jack's vote and one to the favorite of the Peaceful Petal Flower Fairies. More information will be provided via email to all who register below.