This week’s Pay it Forward is in York, where a 22-year-old young woman is in the fight of her life against a rare form of cancer.
A year ago, Tiana Coreano was just like any other 21 year old. She was a college senior at the time, bright and vivacious, living on her own and holding down a full-time job.
All of that changed when she was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, an extremely rare form of pediatric bone cancer.
“She was so energetic and outgoing,” said Dakota Slenker, who lives next door to Tiana. “She loved to go out and do things and she can’t now. Now, she’s either stuck in the house, or stuck in the hospital.”
Slenker has witnessed the trials that Tiana and her mom, Leslie Flores, have gone through over the past year of treatments. With huge medical expenses, they’re just barely scraping by.
“Well there’s a shot she gets twice a month. It’s 3,800 dollars that insurance doesn’t cover,” Slenker said. “She’s sitting in debt of like 17 grand.”
Slenker took the Pay it Forward crew to Tiana’s house, so we could surprise her with $200.
“Hi Tiana! I’m here with FOX43, and this is the Pay it Forward and I want to give you 200 dollars,” Slenker told Tiana, who had just gotten out of bed.
“No!” Tiana replied in disbelief.
“I want to tell you that you’re amazing and I hope this helps,” added Slenker.
“Thank you, Dakota!” Tiana said.
Tiana makes sure to smile often, though many days it’s a struggle to get out of bed.
“Just the daily, going through this and being so sick and being very young at the same time, with being very independent and having everything and then coming back home and being taken care of like a small child again, it’s very hard,” she said.
But she stays positive and grounded with the encouragement of her family and friends. Her attitude through it all is an inspiration to others.
“Whatever helps me get through one more day, could also help somebody else get through one more day,” Tiana said.
Blood and monetary donations would be a great help to Tiana right now.
Wherever you donate blood, you can tell the staff to designate it for Tiana Coreano at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. If you aren’t a match, the blood will go to another child receiving treatment at the hospital.
Tiana’s mother has set up a gofundme.com account to help with her medical bills. You can donate to it here.