Cancer is a hideously horrible disease that has touched the lives of countless individuals and families around the world. It is a word that strikes fear into the hearts of those who hear it, and its impact is felt not only physically, but emotionally and psychologically as well. When someone is diagnosed with cancer, their world is turned upside down and they must embark on a difficult journey full of treatment, uncertainty, and the thought of having to say goodbye to loved ones. It’s a journey that tests the limits of human strength and resilience, and it’s a journey no one ever wishes to undertake.
Being a parent makes the cancer experience even more challenging and heartbreaking. It is a gut-wrenching experience to witness a young child full of innocence and wonder battle this terrible disease. It’s enough to break even the strongest hearts and leave parents feeling helpless and desperate. It’s a reality that no parent should have to face, but unfortunately, it’s a reality that many families have to face.
When I see photos of Delaney Krings, I find it hard to understand why a young child and her family would have to endure such a terrible situation.
In October 2022, Delaney Krings of Pewaukee, Wisconsin received a terminal diagnosis of brain cancer. Delaney’s family received the terrifying news when she was just four years old.
The family’s horror reportedly began when Delaney sought medical attention for something as basic as an earache, according to the For The Love of Delaney Facebook page. She was visited by her pediatrician, who diagnosed the young child with an ear infection and treated her. Her parents, Heather and Jack, accompanied her there.
Although Delaney’s condition initially seemed to improve, there were still other signs that something was wrong, such as a loss of balance.
Her parents became very worried about their daughter and trusted their instincts. She was brought to the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, where specialists ran a series of tests to determine the nature of the 4-year-old’s illness.
Shortly after, Heather and Jack’s cute little daughter was diagnosed with a severe brain tumor called Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG). It was fatal.
“A moment later your heart stops. The universe stops. You try to process it when you can’t breathe. You know she’s four, right?” Heather said.
Delaney was only expected to live six to eight weeks and her journey could end there. Instead, her family’s desire to ensure she had the most memorable birthday ever made her health fight a global sensation.
Heather noted at CaringBridge that the form of cancer she has, DMG, “has very little positive response to any currently available treatment.”
Additionally, the aggressiveness and size of her tumor when it was first discovered essentially sealed her death just 12 weeks ago. I spent months reading medical textbooks, research articles, etc., but none of them gave me much hope.
Delaney turned five on December 16. Everyone present was aware that it would be her last. Her family wanted to give her a unique birthday party, so they requested greeting cards from all over the world.
They were unaware of the extent of the public impact of Delaney’s story.
“We have stickers that we have to put on all the places where the cards come from on the maps that we have so Laney can see that she’s getting love from people she doesn’t even know from all over the world. In December, Heather commented, “I think, that 400 postcards were sent today.
“As long as she’s still aware of what’s going on, she can laugh and hear and see. She also knows and remembers us. You have to ignore those hours because that’s not what we’re here to do to maximize the remaining time she has left.” with us.
In the end, this adorable little girl received nearly 15,000 birthday wishes and hundreds of video tributes from family, friends, and total strangers from all over the world. The Wisconsin Truck Takeover Enthusiasts organized a birthday parade for Delaney that attracted up to 500 trucks and parade participants, making it something special.
“I’m just glad she can celebrate her birthday. There’s no way to express our gratitude to everyone, but Jack Krings, Delaney’s father, told TMJ4 News in Milwaukee that his family deeply appreciates everything.
Delaney sadly passed away on January 28th.
“Our little angel baby now has wings. Delaney’s mother Heather posted a message on CaringBridge with a picture of her daughter and the caption: “Delaney Judith Krings. Fly high, my dear child. 12.16.2017 — 28.1.2023. Fly high, my little child.
Organizer Judy Krings provided an update on the GoFundMe page set up to help Delaney’s family, writing:
“Like a flower whose beauty we see only for a short time, we all cherished every day of Delaney’s 1,869 days on earth,” the statement read. She made us all better, those she knew and others she never met. Make her happy by doing well. Your heart can break, just like ours. But the glue of love can now be used to patch up the holes in a damaged heart. Delaney, enjoy the love of your life there.
Now Delany’s mother wants her daughter’s legacy to be a “wave of straightforward acts of kindness” and for her story to be told forever. She was placed on this earth to spread love, something this planet desperately needs. Love in its most basic form.
No parent wants to see their child in pain and will do anything to make them happy.
But sometimes, despite our best efforts, hopes, and prayers, there are things that are simply out of our control.
Her story serves as a reminder that despite overwhelming adversity, love can shine through and the kindness of strangers can provide comfort and support. Delaney’s smile, her laugh, and her bravery will forever be etched in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know her, even if only from afar.
As we reflect on Delaney’s journey, can we be inspired to embrace simple acts of kindness that can make a big difference in someone’s life? May we honor her memory by spreading love and compassion in our own communities, knowing that every small gesture has the power to brighten someone’s day and make the world a better place.
Rest in peace sweet Delaney. Your spirit will live on forever and your legacy of love will continue to touch the hearts of countless people around the world.