It was 3:00 a.m. when Taquana S. experienced the moment no mother ever forgets: her seven-year-old son, British, stumbling into her room to tell her he had thrown up — and within seconds, realizing something far more serious was happening.
Initially thinking it was an upset stomach, she sent him to the bathroom. But she heard him floundering, and rushing to his side, she watched as his body began to fail him. Leaning against the bathroom sink, he insisted he was standing tall, even as his body sank lower and lower to the floor.
“I started crying,” Taquana remembers. “He said, ‘No, Mom, look. I’m standing up.’ But at that point, he was on the ground. He didn’t comprehend that he thought he was doing something that he actually wasn’t.”
That terrifying night led to a cascade of doctor visits, uncertainty, and finally, the devastating discovery of a brain tumor.
Fighting for His Future
From the beginning, British’s path was uncertain. Some doctors hesitated, unsure if surgery was even possible. Others cautioned against a biopsy, insisting that surgery was the only option. Eventually, after a month of difficult discussions, surgery was performed, but because of the tumor’s location, not all of it was removed.
British has been fighting ever since.
Today, at ten years old and in the fifth grade, he undergoes chemotherapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, all while adapting to the lasting effects on his body and trying to live the life of a normal 10-year-old boy.
His left side is weaker, leaving him with a limp and limited movement in his arm. He’s had to give up sports. Yet still, he pushes forward.
“British is really smart. He’s really resilient,” says Taquana. “When he wants to do something—whether that’s math, sports, or playing with his friends—he gives it his all.”
A Mother’s Strength
Behind British’s fight is a mother whose spirit shines through every obstacle.
Taquana admits the journey has been overwhelming — financially, emotionally, and physically. The therapy British needs isn’t covered by insurance, forcing her to pay out of pocket for the essential care her son needs to heal. To cover the mounting expenses, she emptied her savings and even dipped into the college fund she had carefully built for her son since he was a baby.
And yet, her outlook is defined by gratitude.
“I always remind him how strong he is, how far he has come,” she says. “I tell him, you can do anything you put your mind to.”
It was that positive, hopeful energy that first stood out to IronMatt. “No matter how many scary days or problems came along,” recalls IronMatt’s Kerry Bascio, “her gratitude for British’s life came through loud and clear.”
The Power of Community
When the family’s financial burden became unbearable, a social worker introduced them to IronMatt. Through its Family Assistance Program, the foundation helped with monthly expenses, so British’s family could afford his therapies. It also gave them peace of mind, knowing they don’t face this terrible disease alone.
“Words cannot explain how IronMatt has helped me,” Taquana says. “I put you in my prayers every day. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
Her story captures the very heart of IronMatt’s mission: to make sure no child and no family ever fights alone.
Hope for Tomorrow
Despite the daily challenges, Taquana’s heart is filled with hope. She dreams of the day British will run the basketball court again, doing the things he loves.
“I’m excited for the future,” she says. “When I look at my son, I’m amazed at his strength. He keeps pushing himself, even though his legs and his arm can’t move the way they used to. And we’re going to keep pushing too — me, his dad, our whole family. We’ll do whatever it takes to help him get better.”
Stand With Families Like British’s
No family should ever have to walk this journey alone. With your support, IronMatt can continue to relieve financial burdens, fund life-saving research, and give children and parents the strength to keep fighting pediatric brain tumors.
No family fights alone. Your gift ensures it stays that way.
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About IronMatt
The Matthew Larson Foundation for Pediatric Brain Tumors, also known as IronMatt, is committed to reducing family hardship, funding vital pediatric brain tumor research, and giving children the chance to keep fighting. Since 2007, IronMatt has stood by families across the country so no child and no family ever fights alone.