In November of 2007, life changed forever for Joliet resident Jennifer Babec and the rest of her family. That’s when her five-year-old daughter, Taylor, was diagnosed with Pre B Lymphocytic Lymphoma. Like all families faced with the adversity of childhood cancer, their world quickly became filled with hospital stays and painful procedures. Through it all, they relied on the comfort and distraction provided by the toys from the Treasure Chest at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago where Taylor was being treated. After three years of treatment, including one month with some 20 days spent in the hospital, Taylor is now enjoying life as a healthy nine-year-old girl, sharing happier times with her mom and older brother Blake (age 11). The Treasure Chest Foundation recently sat down with Jennifer to learn more about her ability to balance her daughter’s battle against childhood cancer with all of life’s other daily trials and tribulations.

POTCF: Can you tell us about the time of Taylor’s diagnosis?

Jennifer: I first learned of Taylor’s diagnosis over the phone. The surgeon who did the biopsy two days prior called me at home. She said it may be time crucial and that’s why they had to inform me over the phone. She sent me to a doctor who she felt would be best for Taylor, one who she would have felt confident in treating her own daughter. This was a phone call no one would want to receive.

POTCF: How was Taylor’s cancer initially detected?

Jennifer: Taylor had a tumor on the crown of her head the size of a cell phone.

POTCF: What was your reaction when you heard the news?

Jennifer: Instant crying. When I received the call I was alone with the kids. I did not know which way was up. I tried to keep it together in front of the kids but it was just impossible.

POTCF: What type of treatment did Taylor go through?

Jennifer: It was seven months of intense chemotherapy. There were spinal taps and injection after injection of chemotherapy. Taylor had seizures, heart problems, liver problems and spent more than 50 days sick in the hospital. Did I mention she was five and six years old during this intense treatment? It was awful, and even more awful because it was happening to a young child.

POTCF: Can you tell us about the hospitalizations/clinic?

Jennifer: The clinic and hospitalizations were not so bad because we were at Children’s Memorial Hospital and miracles happened there.

POTCF: What was the worst part of Taylor’s treatment?

Jennifer: Seeing her so sick and worrying if she would get worse.

POTCF: What was the best part, if there was a good part, of the clinic/hospital?

Jennifer: The best part was the staff, they have hearts of gold.

POTCF: Can you tell us about the Treasure Chest at Children’s Memorial?

Jennifer: Taylor was able to visit the Treasure Chest room before she would have a procedure performed. This would keep her mind off of what would come next. I cannot tell you how much the Treasure Chest Foundation helps these children. The kids go into a small room to get their vitals and the next stop before they get poked, scanned, receive chemo treatment or a spinal tap is the Treasure Chest. This is the one thing that keeps their minds off what is coming next. It was an awful three years. I am happy to say Taylor is a survivor and I am so thankful for what God has done for her.

POTCF: Did knowing Taylor would receive a toy or gift card help the hospital/clinic  experience?

Jennifer: Very much so. Playing with the toys really helped her keep her mind off things. We are so thankful for the Treasure Chest.

POTCF: What was Taylor’s favorite toy from the Treasure Chest?

Jennifer: Taylor got a doll with a stroller which she wheeled all the way down to the procedure suite before her first chemo treatment.

POTCF: How did Taylor feel about the Treasure Chest?

Jennifer: She knew exactly where that room was and what was in there. That room puts smiles on kids’ faces no matter what they are facing next.

POTCF: Did your relationship with friends and family change?

Jennifer: Very much so. You really find out who will help you in the long haul. I am so thankful for those people.

POTCF: How did Taylor’s brother Blake handle his sister’s cancer diagnosis and the aftermath?

Jennifer: This was just as sad for him. We had several other struggles during this time. Life doesn’t stop just because your daughter or sister has cancer. I tried my best to balance and to devote attention to my son during a time when everything was out of control for all of us.

POTCF: Someone told CEO and Founder Colleen Kisel that her son’s cancer treatment would change her for the better. How do you feel about this experience? Has Taylor’s battle against cancer changed you in any way?

Jennifer: Wow, what a question! I have to say this has made me a better person. I have more of a perspective on what is important. I also feel inspired to make a difference. I am the lucky one. My daughter lives. I do my small part by running blood drives to supply blood to the community we live in for people like Taylor and anyone who needs blood. My heart has been changed forever. Taylor and Blake help me at these events too, and I think they will follow in my footsteps.

POTCF: What would you say to a family who has just learned of a cancer diagnosis for their son or daughter?

Jennifer: The best advice is let people help you. We come from a society that teaches us if you need help, you must be weak. You do need help when you are emotionally and physically exhausted. People love to be there for you, so let them help you.

POTCF: What would you say to the Treasure Chest Foundation contributors?

Jennifer: Thank you for being there during our time of need. Cancer moms have a ton of worries that other moms would not understand. I know I had comfort in knowing that Taylor would be distracted from the just unbearable things ahead of her during those days in the hospital.

POTCF: Do you have any final comments about the impact of the Treasure Chest Foundation on Taylor and your family?

Jennifer: I can still see Taylor in my mind, pushing that stroller down the hall of the fourth floor of Children’s Memorial Hospital. She was happy and had no idea that she was walking to the procedure suite where she was going to be put under and have her first spinal tap and doses of chemotherapy and multiple bone marrow aspirations. As a parent, I could not get my head around what was in store for her first procedure. But for this one moment, she was happy with a smile on her face, ready to start her day. Taylor had several visits to the Treasure Chest, like when she had two seizures or when she was in the hospital for 20 days in one month. Also when we were told her heart was not beating right and were advised to watch everything she did. This journey has changed us forever. Thank you Treasure Chest Foundation!