“There will always be a reason why you meet people. Either you need them to change your life or you’re the one that will change theirs,” said Madeline Sheehan. Today I would like to introduce you to someone that changed not only my life, but every person that knew her for the four short years she lived on this earth.

Holland Gwen Young was born on May 13, 2009 to her parents Bryan and Aleta Young. She was THE most determined, smart, happy, bright and spunky girl I have ever known. She absolutely loved life and her sweet spirit brought joy to every room she was in. Her smile was beaming and her laugh was contagious.

In June 2012 the Young family’s world was turned upside down. After a few trips to the hospital after Holland  was complaining of headaches, a tumor was found in her brain that eventually turned out to be cancerous. She quickly became familiar with the hospital and had to undergo 5 brain surgeries until the doctors finally thought that they had gotten all of the tumor out. It was a time of prayer and reflection for the Young family as they were faced with an enormous trial in their lives. To read more about their experiences you can click here to visit their family blog that goes into further depth about their story. As time passed and after 5 brain surgeries and 7 months of chemo Holland still loved life. She was an inspiration and changed the lives of many during her short time here on Earth.

While Holland was receiving chemo therapy treatments, her Uncle, Keith Davis, was determined to be her hero. He made a plan to Cycle for a Cure, to help raise money for Holland and her family. As everyone who has had a medical emergency in their family knows, medical bills are very expensive and can be a large burden on a small family struggling to overcome a trial like this. Unfortunately, after a 14-month long battle with brain tumors, Holland’s body finally succumbed to her cancer and peacefully passed away at Primary Children’s Medical Center on Sunday, August 4, 2013.

Several months have passed and her Uncle Keith is determined and ready to be her hero, even though she is not with us. We know that Holland is with our Heavenly Father now and is away from all of her pain she experienced here on this earth. Keith Davis is setting out on a 1,200 mile bike ride journey this Summer, in memory of Holland, to raise money for Pediatric Cancer Research. He will ride his bike from Las Vegas, Nevada to Dallas, Texas in hopes to raise $10,000 to donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Click Here to Donate Today!

According to Kidsvcancer.org over 13,500 children are diagnosed with cancer each year and more than 35,000 are currently fighting the good fight to beat it. It is our hope that with this money, they will be able to find a cure for these sweet, innocent children. With your help, Keith will be able to reach his goal and maybe even save a life. Join us and become one of Holland’s Heroes as we raise money for this great cause.

To be a hero for cancer research, please visit the link above to donate! You can also follow Keith’s Cycling for a Cure journey on the official Facebook page and Twitter.

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Danielle is the owner of Today's the Best Day. She strives to provide creative and uplifting content in order to enrich the parenting experience for women everywhere. Danielle hopes to help you and your family to make every day the best day!

May 1, 2014 by Danielle Davis | 12 Comments