Rao says the boys' care teams are continually amazed by how "phenomenal, patient and calm" the parents have been during the situation and both boys are responding very well to chemotherapy. The Taylors have also donated some of their sons' cord blood for pediatric cancer research at Mott. "Because they are twins, samples of their cord blood shed a lot of light on how genetic factors may contribute to cancer development," Rao says. "We know these abnormalities started in utero but just now transformed to full blown leukemia, so we can study the pathways of how and why this happened." Healing and hope Treatment has been undeniably difficult for the Taylors, but they say their sons are mostly back to themselves during breaks in between chemotherapy. Zane loves spending free time baking, watching food channels, hosting his own imaginary cooking show and even offering tips to the cook at his favorite pizza place. Zac, the more reserved of the two, loves Peppa Pig, playing with his brother and 4-year-old sister Zoe, and swimming. The boys are mostly inseparable, their parents say. Marty Taylor says the boys just know they "have bad guys" in their bodies, and their time at Mott is necessary to get rid of them. "I'm so amazed by how strong they are," Bob Taylor says. "They are such a strong example for us. No matter how bad they're feeling, they still shine with their great personalities. They are both so loving and courageous." Daughter Zoe has also "been incredible during this difficult time." "She is so loving towards her brothers and is always willing to help with whatever they may needs," Bob says. The Taylors moved from Nebraska to South Lyon, Michigan, last September for Bob's job at Chevrolet. They said they are overwhelmed by the support from their family, church, Chevrolet, and their new community, along with support from people around the world who have followed Marty's blog posts on their journey. "We have an amazing support team. We are just so grateful for friends and family and the nurses and doctors who have taken such good care of our children," Marty says. "You can't get through these things by yourself. We couldn't be more thankful." The Taylors are sharing their story as part of September's Block Out Cancer month at Mott, which helps raise awareness and money for pediatric cancer research. "As difficult as this is we've seen how many others are going through things just as tough or tougher. We want to do anything we can do to help shine a light on the need for cancer research," Bob says. "As a friend recently told us 'when it's all said and done, your story is not going to be cancer. It's going to be about healing and hope.'" Source
