One girl’s memory inspires the gift of giving
By Daniel Arens
As spring approaches, so too does a movement to help children fighting cancer.
Although Mercer County does not have an event scheduled yet for this year, many of its residents have been longtime supporters of the “Brave the Shave” program that aims to fight child cancer. This year, one local woman is giving her hair for the cause, in the memory of a girl that deeply touched her life.
For four brief years, TiAnna Stevens was able to enjoy the smiles and laughs of Sky Stevens, who was both relative and close friend.
“My dad and [Sky’s] grandpa were twins, so I was very close to her,” TiAnna said. “I met her the day after she was born.”
Shortly after her birth on April 29, 2013, Sky began having health issues. Although the initial thought was that it might be an ear infection, worsening conditions led Sky to receive an MRI, where a brain tumor was detected.
Immediately after the diagnosis, Sky’s family went for treatment in Minnesota, where she was given nine months to live. Her tough spirit enabled her to extend that expectation, living for another 31 months after the diagnosis. Sky passed away Oct. 24, 2017.
