From survivor to advocate: Taylah's mission to transform cancer care for teenagers and young adults

Vibrant teenager’s world turns upside down with shock cancer diagnosis

At just 14 years old, Taylah Miranda was a vibrant, sport-loving teenager with a bright future. Her days were filled with school, friends, and dreams of what she could achieve. But in a matter of weeks, her world turned upside down. Persistent headaches and overwhelming fatigue took over her life. Initially misdiagnosed with depression, Taylah's condition worsened until she was referred to Monash Children’s Hospital Cancer Centre. There, the devastating diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) was revealed. 

This marked the beginning of a gruelling journey that would test her strength and resilience in unimaginable ways, but it would also lead her to discover a passion for advocacy and medical research.

‍Cancer strikes again, but Taylah’s care is now in the adult system

At 19, when the world was grappling with the COVID pandemic, Taylah faced a heartbreaking relapse of ALL. This time, as an adult, her cancer care experience was vastly different from her teenage years. The isolation of undergoing treatment in the adult oncology system left her feeling alone and vulnerable.

“Having spent three years in the childhood cancer system, I was quite shocked when, as a 19-year-old, I was forced to face treatment without the comfort of private rooms, anaesthetics for procedures, or the reassuring presence of my family.”

Channelling her dual cancer experience to help others

Taylah’s experience of childhood and adult oncology has given her a unique perspective on the challenges patients face in both systems. Her firsthand understanding has been invaluable in her role as a patient advocate on the Children’s Cancer CoLab Patient and Family Advisory Committee. Taylah's experience has fuelled her dedication to improving care for those navigating both paediatric and adult cancer journeys.

Having experienced cancer as a 14 and 19-year-old, Taylah said she is passionate about advocating for the adolescent and young adult cancer community. 

“Teenagers and young adults often face challenges that aren't fully addressed in either paediatric or adult cancer care settings. As an underrepresented group, I’m passionate about advocating for their concerns in decision-making, research, and treatment, especially regarding independence, identity, relationships, and the transition from childhood to adulthood.”

Taylah's advocacy journey is extensive and impactful. She has been an active member of the Youth Cancer Action Board at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, has volunteered on various advisory committees, including with the Children’s Cancer CoLab and Monash Health, and has contributed to the AYA Monash Health Working Group.

Raising funds to support childhood cancer research

In addition to her advocacy work, Taylah and her family have fundraised over $200,000 for the Monash Children’s Hospital Cancer Centre. She has shared her story at multiple fundraising events, including the Children’s Cancer Foundation’s Million Dollar Lunch in 2023, where she helped raise a record $2.9 million for childhood cancer research. Recently, Taylah became an ambassador for the Children’s Cancer Foundation, solidifying her role as a passionate advocate for childhood cancer research and care.

Taylah’s cancer journey sparks a love of science

Taylah’s cancer journey has fostered a deep passion for medical research. Despite undergoing cancer treatment throughout her final three years of high school, Taylah was accepted into Monash University, where she pursued a Biomedical Science degree. Even when faced with another relapse during her studies, Taylah persevered, completing her degree and then undertaking an Honours year at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, researching diffuse large B-cell lymphoma under the guidance of Professor Gemma Kelly.

Painful reminders serve as motivation to continue advocacy work

Despite her tumultuous journey, Taylah is now a thriving 24-year-old, eager to grow her career, travel the world, and one day start a family. However, the shadow of her cancer journey looms over her every day.

“The harsh reality is that children are still dying from cancer, and many of the friends I made while receiving treatment at the cancer centre are no longer here. Each loss is a painful reminder that we must do more to help children with cancer live long and healthy lives.”