Lilly Defies The Odds

At just 18 years old, Lilly has already faced more than most people do in a lifetime and continues to inspire everyone around her with her resilience, courage, and determination. If Lilly looks familiar, it may be because she is the daughter of Heroes for Children Co-Founder, Larissa Linton. Larissa helped create the organization after losing her oldest daughter, Taylor Anne Brewton (July 27, 1997 to November 26, 2001), to cancer.

In June 2020, that mission became deeply personal once again when Lilly was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma after a tumor in her ankle turned cancerous during delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the next nine months, Lilly endured 18 rounds of chemotherapy while traveling back and forth to MD Anderson in Houston nearly every week. At only 12 years old, Lilly underwent a life-changing below the knee amputation on September 14, 2020.

Despite the isolation and uncertainty brought on by strict COVID hospital restrictions, Lilly faced every challenge with incredible strength. Supported closely by her family, Lilly was especially comforted by her mom, who stayed by her side through it all. She experienced firsthand the importance of family support during treatment.

Today, Lilly is proudly cancer-free and preparing for an exciting new chapter as she heads to college. She has refused to let her disability define her, continuing to pursue life fearlessly with big dreams ahead. Lilly’s story is a powerful reminder of resilience, hope, and the lasting impact of community support for families battling childhood cancer.