Page 229 - The Exceptional Harley Fetterman
P. 229

THE EXCEPTIONAL HARLEY FETTERMAN

               Harley and Tara's struggles with cancer somewhat juxtaposed each
             other. Harley was originally diagnosed in 2003 with a brain tumor
             growing from his optic nerve which caused his blindness. By the end
             of 2009, he had received two rounds of chemotherapy to stop the
             tumor from growing, multiple brain surgeries to remove a cyst around
             the tumor, and at that time was pronounced cancer free. Tara was
             diagnosed with in October of 2009 and was treated at Dell Children's
             Medical   Center   and   University   of  Texas   M.D.  Anderson   Cancer
             Center. She bravely battled with cancer for three years.

               Tara started playing soccer at five years of age. She excelled in
             competition   swimming   winning   many   awards,   played   school
             volleyball and tennis, and earned the rank of Senior Cadet in twelve
             years of participation in Girl Scouts. In 2012, Tara attended a soccer
             game   at   the   London   Olympics   through   Make-A-Wish.   She   was
             known   for   living   her   life   to   the   fullest   displaying   immense
             determination and perseverance. She embraced the lyrics to a John
             Mayer   song,   “Vultures”   which   reflected   her   grit,   “But   I'll   walk
             through the fire.” Sadly, at the end of 2013 in her senior year of high
             school, she passed away.



























                   Figure 191: Tara Penton featured in Honored Kid Story
                   on Saint Baldrick's website with current status as Angel.


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