In a world where choices often define our legacy, one young woman made a decision so selfless and heartbreaking that her story continues to inspire millions.
At just 18 years old, Brianna Rawlings from Sydney, Australia, faced an unimaginable choice: her life or her unborn son’s. Diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer—NK cell leukemia—Brianna was 17 weeks pregnant and dreaming of motherhood when doctors gave her the devastating news.
Symptoms of leukemia had previously been mistaken for pregnancy-related issues, delaying proper diagnosis. When the truth emerged, Brianna was offered a harrowing decision: terminate the pregnancy to begin life-saving cancer treatment, or carry her baby and delay treatment.
Credit: GoFundMe / Brees Brave Fight
She chose love over life.
Brianna refused to start treatment, determined to give her son a fighting chance. In a bittersweet twist, her son Kyden was born three months premature via emergency C-section after Brianna contracted a blood infection. Tragically, Kyden survived just 12 days.
“Those 12 days were the best days of my life,” Brianna shared in a heartfelt interview. “Holding him, counting his little toes and fingers… they meant everything.”
Despite her grief, Brianna pressed on with remarkable courage. Her determination to recover in honor of her son was unwavering. At first, things looked promising—her blood counts improved, and she even began strengthening her legs in hopes of walking again.
Credit: GoFundMe / Brees Brave Fight
But then her condition took another heartbreaking turn.
Plans for a bone marrow transplant from her brother were canceled due to health complications. Instead, doctors turned to an experimental treatment that cost $3,000 a week. With the help of generous donations through platforms like GoFundMe, Brianna began the trial drug.
She completed only two rounds before the disease overwhelmed her.
On December 29, 2018, Brianna passed away, just 19 years old. Her short life was marked by immense love, strength, and sacrifice—qualities that continue to inspire people around the globe.
Brianna’s story is a powerful reminder of the depth of a mother’s love, even when that mother is just a teenager. She gave her son everything she had—literally.
In honor of Brianna, let’s continue the fight against cancer. Share her story. Raise awareness. Support research.
💡 You can also learn more about early cancer signs women shouldn’t ignore and explore options for affordable life insurance for young families, because protecting your future starts today.
Let Brianna’s bravery light the way.