We have received so many wonderful stories over the past few weeks through our Teen Fotostory project, and we are so excited to share them with you! All this week we will be sharing one story a day and will share the winner of the Teen Fotostory on Friday.
Fotolanthropy, Seniorologie, Altar’d State have all been touched by the teens that were nominated. They have all been through so much and they have all had remarkable strength! We received so many stories and it was so hard to pick but we have narrowed it down to five and want to share them with you.
Bayleigh Nominee #1
Heart of gold. Diagnosed with a brain tumor. Encouraging all around her
Below is the story of Bayleigh. Bayleigh is a 15-year-old teen from Alabama with a brain tumor that was first discovered when she was nine. Even though Bayleigh has been through rounds of chemo and has had several surgeries, her spirit has always remained upbeat and she has lived life to the fullest. With over 2,000,000 views on her caring bridge site, Bayleigh has been able to share her spirit and story with a lot of people.
Bayleigh was nominated by her former camp counselor and fotocrew member, Bayleigh Malone. Below Bayleigh shares the reason she nominated this vivacious teen.
Please describe the story of the nominee in full detail:
In college, I would volunteer each summer at a pediatric oncology camp. Bayleigh was the very first camper that I met on my first day, and I was so pumped she was mine for the week. She was 10 years old, and such a spit fire. As the week went on, and she told me bits and pieces of her story, I was in disbelief. How could this kid who was so full of life, and seemed so healthy, be so incredibly sick? Since that time I’ve been on the roller coaster that is loving on Bayleigh! Once you meet her you are sucked in and you can’t help but cheer her on.
Bayleigh was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor at just 9 years old. This diagnosis came when her baby sister was just 2 weeks old, and Bayleigh casually mentioned to her parents she’d been seeing 2 of everything. It would be impossible to detail out what Bayleigh has been through in that amount of time in a short spot like this, but there have been so many ups and downs. After completing her initial 2 years of chemo and several surgeries in between, she had a small break while the tumor was declared “stable”. In August of 2010, the tumor was found to have grown again. This was devastating not only to Bayleigh, but to all of us who know and love her. A couple of months later, they determined the chemo wasn’t working and the tumor continued to grow. They changed her treatment to 25 rounds of radiation. Her next two scans (that January and May) showed the tumor was continuing to grow. At this point, they switched back over to chemo. In August of 2011, they found that it was shrinking! Such good news. She finished her chemo in May of 2012, and enjoyed the summer being a regular teen. August of 2012, they found that the tumor had grown back to it’s original size. She is currently back on a very rough treatment regimen.
Please describe how this nominee is inspiring you and loved ones :
Bayleigh’s spirit is unlike anyone’s I’ve ever met, young or old. I joke with people that she’s the most “famous” person I know! No matter what she is going through, you can always count on her to have a smile on her face. Her caringbridge site has almost 2,000,000 views… that tells you a lot about how many people love and care about her and her precious family! Her family volunteers with numerous organizations throughout the year to give back, even though though they are still on treatment themselves. They just held their 6th “thanksgiving blessing”, where they feed Thanksgiving dinner to all the impatient families at the hospital where Bayleigh receives treatment. They also do a “Christmas blessing”. She often speaks to groups and organizations to garner support for the pediatric oncology community. Everyone loves to have Bayleigh as their guest speaker, because they know none of the kids can do it like she can!
I added a little video that their local newspaper did of her right after she found out that her tumor had started to grow again, and she’d just started treatment. This was when she’d just entered 8th grade, she’s in 10th grade now. How cute is she?!
What life lessons have you learned from this story? :
Bayleigh has taught me (more than anyone else) to live life to the fullest. I know that sounds cliche, but it’s the truth! No matter how sick she is, or what she’s going through medically, it doesn’t stop her from doing all things “teenager”. I love that about her! She has taught me to appreciate my health, and what a blessing it is to feel “good”. I remember my second year of camp, when she was unloading her suit case. She was squealing for me to come over to see what she’d brought.. it was a blowdryer! She was so excited that she needed one, since she didn’t have a use for it the year before. Sometimes when I find myself feeling complacent, or feeling sorry for myself, I think about the joy in that kids face over a blowdryer!
If you would like to give to our cause and make a donation to Fotolanthropy that will go towards the creation of the Teen Fotostory film, the product given to the winner and travel experience, please click on this link. Fotolanthropy Teen Fotostory Donation Because of your donation we can give more!!
Bayleigh is one of the most amazing teenagers you can ever meet. She truly has a heart of gold and deserves any accolades and opportunities given to her. She also many be one of the funniest kids I’ve ever known!
Bayleigh and her family are such an inspiration to every single person who hears of their story!
Bayleigh is the most precious, inspiring young lady I’ve ever been blessed to meet. Her courage and positive attitude are incredible, and Bayleigh’s ability to motivate and charm others make her impact upon you immediate and lasting. I’ll never forget Calhoun county, Alabama Relay For Life several years ago. It was after midnight when normally things start winding down, and suddenly we all hear Bayleigh…up onstage with a microphone. She’s encouraging us all to wake up; cancer doesn’t sleep at night, so why should we? “Wake up people”! she implored, then began leading a group of adorable young ladies, several of them also cancer survivors in serenading the entire Relay For Life audience with some awesome Taylor Swift (among others) hit songs to get us moving and keep us motivated to help find a cure for cancer. She is totally awesome; Bayleigh is the bomb!!!
Bayleigh is an inspiration to everyone she is in contact with. I’ve never been around Bayleigh when she did not have a smile on her face. Even when she’s feeling bad, she always manages a smile and causes the rest of us to smile. Her bravery in the face of all the challenges she battles every day is something that I am in awe of. She is truly Bayleigh the Brave.
Bayleigh is such an awesome and inspiring young lady! She has gone through school with my oldest son, Caleb so I have been able to see first hand fairly often the spunkiness and kindheartedness of this sweet girl. She even, at the age of 12, came up to Caleb, who we had just found out was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, and said, “Dude, it’s gonna be ok..they’re gonna find a cure for your disease too.. but in the meantime, we’ll show em who’s boss!” She knew just how to relate and make him feel a little more at ease with this new phase of his life. SHe inspires me to live life to the fullest and makes me strive to be a better chrisian too! Bayleigh Phillips deserves this and so much more!! My family and I are blessed to know her and her dear family..what blessings each one of them are to so many people. This world is a better place because of Bayleigh and her family. Bayleigh shows the world what is really important and matters!! I could talk all day about her and still not say enough about Bayleigh..I’m just so thankful for her spirit, kindness, and pure awesomeness!!
Bayleigh is such an inspiration to me and our entire family. She is always positive and such an encouragement. I enjoy reading her posts on Facebook and Carebridge. I love her uplifting spirits positive outlook on life!! What an encouragement to others!!
We love you Bayleigh!!! <3
Bayleigh is a fighter. She always has a positive attitude, and is an inspiration to everyone she meets. She has been through so much and still keeps fighting. She has touched so many lives. God put her on this earth for a reason. Her story is the reason she is such a beautiful girl.
Ms. Bayleigh Phillips serves as an inspiration to all. Though confronted with what many would view to be an insurmountable problem, Bayleigh has persevered. Bayleigh at times, as would be expected, has confronted doubt. Bayleigh though has continually cast doubt aside and moving forward in her quest to defeat the obstacle before her, a brain tumor.
If only the rest of us were as determined to conquer the problems before as Bayleigh Phillips is, there truly would be NO LIMIT to our achievements. Thank you Bailey and thanks to your family as well for providing a positive role model. May God continue to provide you with courage and strength and may God continue to guide you in your quest to defeat this problem.
Bayleigh is my hero. This young girl has been through so much and she is always smiling and positive every time I see her. Bayleigh has always been very special, even before the tumor. She has such an old soul and I honestly believe that God put her on this earth to be the voice for children dealing with cancer. Bayleigh is here to teach us all that we should be thankful for what we have, we should remember and share with those less fortunate, and that health is a gift we shouldn’t take for granted.
I was with Bayleigh and her family the day she was diagnosed, I consider Bayleigh and her family a blessing as they continue to travel this road with such love for others even when they are going through a rough time. Bayleigh is the funniest, prettiest most loving young ladies I have had the pleasure of meeting. She truly touches each person she comes in contact with!
Bayleigh is the kind of kid everyone loves. She is brave beyond her years. I knew Bayleigh before her cancer and she was always a generous caring person. I watched a school full of children pray daily for Bayleigh. Many of the children would ask me almost everyday how is Bayleigh? These were children who never met her and never will. But they understood how brave she is. Bayleigh is truly a beautiful person outside and most important in her heart!
Bayleigh’s bright light shines far and wide. She is a true inspiration, always thinking of others while in the middle of this huge battle of her own. She is an amazing girl from an amazing family.
Bayleigh is an inspiration to me and reminds me in her sweet smile what life is all about! She is the most fun loving, giving and loving girl I know! So proud to call her my family!
I am Bayleigh’s grandfather. Bayleigh props up the entire family as we are by her side during this journey. She just says that God has a plan for her, and she is not going to let Him down. I want to share just one little story that happened about two weeks ago. Bayleigh speaks to a lot of churches and various groups. She was to speak at a church, and she was really sick. She became very ill in the parking lot, and vomited in her little pan she sometimes carries with her these days. Her mother and her friend told Bayleigh that they would read her speech for her as she had it written out. Bayleigh said, “no, I have been praying, and God wants me to touch one life today.” She spoke without any problem, and the minister said that she was the best speaker he had ever heard. No one ever knew of the parking lot incident. Bayleigh knew that God would get her through that speech because, as usual, she has put herself fully in his hands. We have so many more stories just as inspiring about Bayleigh, but there will never be enough room to write them all down.
Bayleigh is such an inspiration to me. We clicked the first time we met, she is just that way. Sweet Bayleigh has been through so many things in her life that is all a part cancer, things most of us would have given up on. When we should be lifting her up, encouraging her through her every day walk, you come out being the one that is encouraged. God has given her this gift and she shares with everyone she meets. Bayleigh and her family are always waiting to help someone else no matter what they are facing…Having Bayleigh Phillips in my life has been a BLESSING. Love you SWEET BAYLEIGH
This precious girl inpires everyone she meets. Her dynamic personality, electric smile and genuine love for people and life is absolutely amazing! Her determination and positive outlook has touched the lives of so many. Just to know her encourages you to be a better person. She is beautiful inside and out and most deserving of this exciting opportunity. GO BAYLEIGH!! 🙂
Thanks so much for featuring Bayleigh! I hope it helps her to inspire even more people. 🙂 Love me some Bayleigh Phillips!
I have been so inspired by Bayleigh. I don’t know of anyone with the strength and courage like her as well as a personality to keep you smiling.
I have been following Bayleigh’s journey for several years now and have never seen a more vibrant young lady with such a zeal for life. Her personality just shines through in everything she does, even on difficult days. This family has blessed so many people and works so hard to find a cure and support others.
I have never met Bayleigh in person, but feel as though I have known this amazing young woman for centuries. She continues to inspire me on a daily basis with her positive attitude while she is going through something that would bring most people to their knees. Bayleigh is truly one of God’s children and spreads his word and his works to everyone who crosses her path. You would think that she is 75 years old with the wisdom that she brings to her daily life. God does have a plan for her and I, as one of many, are blessed to share her life.
Betty Cox
Anchorage AK
Bayleigh is such a positive inspiration to everyone she is around. With all that she has been through, she is always laughing at any mistakes or joking around and telling her stories. She is always there for others. When my son had surgery, she came to visit in the hospital and was happily comparing her scars on her head. She knows how to lift others up even when she may be going through tough times herself. Love Bayleigh and her family!
God Bless this precious girl! She is an inspiration of all of us that are going thru cancer.
Wow…what a wonderful story. The bit about the blowdryer brought tears to my eyes. I haven’t had the pleasure of really getting to know Bayleigh or the family personally…I’ve only met you guys a few times at the Ride for Kids events. But since knowing Bayleigh….and the devastating effect brain tumors have on some families…it has just made me be a better mother…and a better person. I give every chance I get to St. Jude, Ride For Kids, PBTF…Camp Sam benefits. Bayleigh and Dixie do a great job of keeping us all in the loop on what needs to be done and I’m just thankful for that. Thankful the world has Bayleigh…and that we have hope for better treatments. I love you guys…it is very strange to feel so much for a child that you’ve just read about. But we’ve all kept up over the years and Bayleigh has truly been the biggest motivator in my life that makes me want to do more and be better. Appreciate my family and our health…so, THANK YOU Bayleigh. I don’t know if I’ve ever told you that.
Bayleigh’s attitude is so awesome! What a courageous young lady. I love her attitude of “But her big girl panties on!”
She is strong enough spiritually and physically to kick cancer in the fannie!
Bayleigh is seriously one of my best friends. We met at camp the very first year she came. She is one of the bravest girls I know. There’s is never a time that I see her and she doesn’t have a smile on her face! She is so inspiring, & I look up to her so much! She has kept up her fight through all of this & I know she won’t give up! She has the best attitude about things. and she lets nothing bring her down! I don’t know where I would be without her! <3
I have had the pleasure of working with Bayleigh and her family for several years with Relay for Life! She is one of the strongest, giving and loving people I know! She is always inspiring others in their fight against cancer. All I can say is “WOW” sometimes when I read an article on her or hear her on the radio helping a worthy cause. Spend a day with Bayleigh and a lifetime of problems you thought you had, will disappear! She has a way of putting things into perspective that is wise beyond her years! She truely is an amazing young woman and I happy that God allowed our paths to cross!
Bayleigh is an inspiration to everyone who knows her! What a walking testimony she is!!! I can’t begin to imagine everything she has had to endure since she has been diagnosed. She has handled it all with dignity and class……and with a positive attitude and a SMILE 🙂 …..and she is just a teenager!!! I am 50 years old and I am learning lessons from this young girl! It does not surprise me that she is the way she is. She comes from a wonderful family! It speaks volumes to me that while the Phillips’ are living their life in the middle of a STORM, they are focused on others and how they can help and comfort them. I pray that blessings will shower Bayleigh and her precious family!
An amazing young lady of strength and courage, who lights up a room..she strengthens all those who have the privilege of being in contact with her. I have done healthcare for over 35 years and have never met a person that measures up to her. I love her dearly and pray for her and her family, as well as, all those living in the world of change that has been caused by cancer.
We are always so inspired by Bayleigh. We follow her through her care page and all I can say is, she is an incredible young lady- giving, kind, fun and full of life!
Bayleigh has been an inspiration and a blessing..Her loving spirit and her unfailing faith is a lesson in life for all of us. She is always thinking of others in so many ways and has spread her cheer everywhere she goes. Although I have never met Bayleigh I feel like I know her and believe she is one of the most awesome amazing courageous young ladies whose faith and love has encouraged so many much older . Baleigh is incredible!!! God bless her and her loving family.
Bayleigh has been such an inspiration to me. I have not had the pleasure of meeting her but through the stories I read about her I feel as if I know her personally. Her positive attitude is a constant reminder to me to count my blessings and be a blessing to others. Bayleigh is a blessing from God and I am thankful that our paths crossed!
We moved 1 year ago to Rainbow City. We made the move based on our faith that the Lord had a devine purpose for our family. Once we made the move that only God made possible. We settled in, and a depression came over me (wife and mother). I went through my daily life in physical and mental agony. I had lived all of my life very close with my family and everything I knew, and suddenly life as I knew it was completely turned upside down. I could hardly function. I prayed. I prayed for a good family to get to know. I prayed for good friends for my children. I prayed to have good neighbors. I prayed for many things. One day the Lord took me outside and pointed next door. “There they are”. “Those precious people are the answers to your prayers.” Bayleigh and her precious family were right there… all along! I got to know Bayliegh and learned of her brave fight. She is completely an inspiration to me and ALL who know her. The way that she truly and genuinely lives life to the fullest! The way she is always there for her brother and sister. Even when you know she must feel so horrible at times, she comes outside at 7 am just to see her sister Lola get on the bus. And she ALWAYS has that bright and beautiful smile on her face! WOW! I’m just so amazed and taken away with how special she is! She’s an angel! She gives hope to the lost and encouragement to those in need. I know that this is long, but Bayliegh really is an answered prayer. Her life and the way she lives it! It just makes ME want to live and not to just “live”, but to live it to the fullest and with purpose! God put us here to be a light in a dark world… Bayliegh makes it SHINE! God Bless!
There is not enough time or enough room to write how much this precious girl means to me! Bayleigh is wise beyond her years. She is hilarious, a ton of fun & puts a smile on my face every single time I’m with her! She inspires me every day to be a better person, to live life to the fullest, to trust in God’s plan & to DANCE even in the RAIN!! I thank God for bringing Bayleigh & her family in to my life & continue to pray for healing for my dear friend! I love you Bayleigh…aka SUPER B!!!
Misty Parker
I have the honor of knowing this wonderful woman! She is so strong and so true! She has inspired me to turn my life around and always look at the positive. She is the best and I truly pray she gets everything she wants and needs.
Bayleigh Phillips is the most one of the MOST AWEsome young ladies I have ever known. Bayleigh never lets her journey with cancer get her down. She greets each chemo, day, etc with humor and love. She always has time for others and especially the kids younger than her at Children’s. She gives back each Thanksgiving and Christmas. She does numerous fundraiser’s throughout the year to raise money for cancer research!!!
I am CONVINCED Bayleigh could be President if she wants to!!!
I am continually blessed and inspired by her!!!!!
I luv you, Super B!!!!
Sandy Daron
Bayleigh, in the midst of all her circumstances, has influenced so many! She has encouraged others, when she needed to be encouraged herself. She is not self-seeking! She knows her strength comes from the Lord!
I have been witnessing Bayleigh’s journey for the past five years, and she never ceases to amaze me. Her positive attitude and her perseverance over one hurdle after another is nothing short of inspiring. She makes me look at life differently because no matter what I might be going through in any particular day, it’s nothing compared to what she is dealing with. Yet she does it with a smile on her face and thinking of others before herself. Our program Send Love Today supports brain tumor patients such as Bayleigh, and our motto is Never Give Up. Bayleigh is a shining example of that motto, and we are honored to know her!
BAYLEIGH ROCKS!!
Bayleigh has inspired me to deal with my debilitating disease more gracefully and spiritually. She is SUCH a strong girl and I admire her qualities – constant positivity and contagious happiness. Keep rocking, girl. You are amazing.
Bayleigh is the BOMBDIGGATY!!!!! I can’t think of a young women who is more inspirational than Bayleigh Phiilips. She deserves the best of everything.
As a followe of Bayleigh’s I can say that all of this (as far as I know it to be) is true 🙂 I hope this essay wins 😀
I am on the task force for the DFW Ride for Kids and work closely with the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. I first met Bayleigh at our training conference in November 2010. We heard her speak on Thursday night at dinner, and I was so moved by this amazing young lady that I couldn’t let my thoughts go. I went back to my room & prayed hard about Bayleigh. I had worn this ring for 18 years at that point, a footprints ring my friends had given me shortly after my son, Jamin, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It was a simple gold band with little footprints on it and inside said “it was then that I carried you.” I felt the Lord telling me to give the ring to Bayleigh at dinner on Friday. The ring meant a lot to me, especially since my son lost his fight & earned his wings, but I knew it was time to pass it on. Bayleigh touched my heart in a way that is unforgettable. She is amazing in every way, has the utmost faith in the good Lord above, and hasn’t faltered in her faith at all. She’s become stronger, stronger in personality, stronger in faith, and stronger in who Bayleigh really is. In the story above, it says “once you meet Bayleigh, you can’t help but love her.” That is so true! I’ve followed Bayleigh since, and never let a day go by that I don’t include her in my prayers. Yes, Bayleigh is a remarkable, amazing young lady who does live life to fullest. She can teach us all what life is all about.
I have been keeping up with Bayleigh since 2007 when my daughter was diagnosed with ALL. Bayleigh’s sense of humor is amazing and can carry anyone through a storm. Her willingness to give back is amazing. Nothing slows her down and her faith is truly amazing! This girl is an amazing young women! So proud of her and glad to see she is in the top for here, it’s very much deserved. It has been an honor getting to know Bayleigh and her family.
Bayleigh Phillips os one of a kind!!! Bayleigh is my silver lining every day! Her spirit, inspiration, faith in God and determination have taught me to look at life a whole new way! She is a true gift from God and has been a great blessing in my life!
Bayleigh, you are an inspiration to all who have suffered any kind of illness or disability. Your faith and courage are outstanding for such a young woman. We at “send love today” have been so blessed to know you and know of your courage and to have been with you on your journey thru this cancer. I continue to keep you and all our “friends” in my daily prayers. always love marie bornancin