Teen Mom Who Chose Son's Birth Over Own Cancer Treatment Tragically Dies After Losing Her Newborn Too

Brianna Rawlings, was 17 weeks pregnant when she was diagnosed with NK cell leukemia — a rare and life-threatening form of blood disease. At the time, she was forced to make a decision: terminate the pregnancy (which would improve her chances of survival) or carry the pregnancy to term, giving her newborn an opportunity to experience life. Selflessly, she chose to put her baby's life ahead of her own. Unfortunately, due to an infection, an emergency cesarean section had to be performed. Her baby lived for 12 days before passing. Even worse still, Brianna's condition deteriorated, until the disease eventually took her life just days after she celebrated her 19th birthday on December 29, 2018, The Daily Mail reports.

After choosing to carry her pregnancy to term, Brianna contracted an infection which had the potential of being passed down to her fetus. Therefore, the doctors recommended that a C-section be performed immediately. Throughout the experience, she suffered excruciating body aches and fevers. Despite this, the brave teen mom gave birth to baby Kyden three months early and was able to hold him in her arms. She was able to spend time with her adorable newborn for 12 days before he passed.

She revealed in an interview, "It's been very hard, long, exhausting and painful. Even though Kyden is no longer with us he gave me the strength to go on and beat this. I was very happy and excited to be a mother - all I've ever wanted to have is a family. I was also scared of what the world had in store for me. Those 12 days I was able to spend with my baby boy Kyden, holding him, counting his toes and fingers and talking to him like I would when he was in my tummy. They were just so special, they were the best 12 days of my life!" After a few terrible months, Brianna said her health was "better than it's ever been." Following the loss of her baby, her health seemed to improve. She was able to leave the hospital for day trips, had begun working on her leg muscles in order to start walking again, and saw positive developments in her blood levels. "I want to beat this horrible disease. I believe I can do this and I made a promise to my son," she had declared at the time.

Sadly, her condition deteriorated rapidly. In addition to this, a bone marrow transplant from her brother was ruled out by her doctors. She was also introduced to an experimental drug trial that could have saved her life. At the cost of $3,000 every three weeks, the drug had the potential to save her life. Though her family began a fundraiser to cover the costs of the treatment, she succumbed to the disease after two injections, leaving her loved ones completely torn and heartbroken. Her sister Kourt shared, "I am so lost for words... I can't think without crying. Family and friends, such a tragic way to end 2018 for us. Hold on to your loved ones and never stop expressing your love for them." She posted on the fundraiser page after Brianna's passing: To everyone who has donated and supported [Brianna] and our family, I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We will be closing this campaign. We are truly grateful for your generous donations and kind words. Wish you all so much health and happiness.