6 Year Old Fights Rare Cancer

Last month, six year old Amber Hardin was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that attacks the soft tissues in the body. Its been very emotional, its very hard to see somebody that young go through an experience like this. Patricia Swingle has seen first hand what this family has been through, her friend, Liz is Ambers aunt and caregiver. Liz has always been the person I look up to, when anytime anything goes on in my life I always think about what shes been through. In 1999 Lizs son died of an asthma attack, and in 2004 her husband committed suicide. During this terrible time in her life, Liz decided to open up her home to people who meant the world to her, two of her nieces and her nephew. Since Ambers diagnosis in January, Liz has spent the last month in Memphis where Amber has been undergoing treatment at Saint Judes Research Hospital. Meanwhile, Elisha, Lizs daughter has taken on the role that Liz once had, even taking time out from college to do so. Its definitely been hard, but iI just knew I had to do it. I mean were family and weve been through so much. Without Elisha, Liz would not be able to stay with Amber in Memphis, and its crucial that Liz is there for Amber since her cancer has now entered into the fourth stage. Elisha says the transition into being a motherly figure has been difficult but she has ways of coping. Leaning on friends and god and praying. Just whatever she has to do to get through the day. Even the prayers havent stopped everyone in the family from missing Amber. Her cousin Marissa says things just arent the same with her gone. This family has been through so much, and they know they have a long road ahead as amber will be at Saint Judes for another year. Yet, they still remain strong and find comfort in each other. If you would like to help Amber and her family you can donate money to The Hope for Amber Fund- at any Fifth Third Bank nation wide.