By Times Chronicle Staff
The Osoyoos community has rallied around one of its most vulnerable members, a young women named Tianna, who is proving to be the fiercest of warriors.
For anyone living in Osoyoos its impossible not to have seen the purple and green that has become associated with the support for Tianna and her battle now underway at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.
According to a statement from a close family friend it was discovered that Tianna had mass on her pelvis which required surgery in order for testing. According to an update Tianna successfully had the biopsy and came out of surgery, “cracking jokes and keeping everyone smiling which has been the best feeling her family has had in days.
“Right now, we are choosing to stay positive, hopeful and strong for Tianna while her family navigates the next steps. We kindly ask everyone to continue respecting the family’s privacy and give them space to process everything as it comes. Your love, prayers, support and kindness mean more than words can explain. Please keep flooding this little warrior with love and positivity.”
Alison Laranjo-Huntington, Tianna, and Travis Huntington.
Alison Laranjo-Huntington Facebook photo
Many are familiar with the family, but for those that aren’t, Tianna’s mom is Alison Laranjo-Huntington who operates Beyond Beauty Hair & Body Lounge. In a message to Times Chronicle, Laranjo-Huntington expressed “how grateful we are for all the love and support.”
A Facebook page – Tianna Strong – has been set up to provide updates and avoid placing more stress on the family.
In an update today (May 27) the family friend highlighted how difficult the situation is for extended family and friends as well. “We also want to gently remind everyone that this is an incredibly difficult and emotional situation for not only Alison, Trav, and Tianna, but for all extended family members and close friends involved as well.
“Right now, many family members are being approached daily in grocery stores, businesses, on the street, through texts, calls, and messages with questions they simply do not have answers to yet. While we completely understand everyone is coming from a place of love and concern, it has become very overwhelming emotionally for many people involved.
“Please be mindful and respectful that updates and information will be shared by the family when they are ready and when they have confirmed information to give. Right now, everyone is simply trying to process, support one another, and stay strong for Tianna.
“We appreciate everyone’s understanding, patience, love, and respect during such a heartbreaking and uncertain time.”
Supporters can be spotted all over town with green and purple “Tianna Strong!” banners.
Facebook photo
A community event is being held for Tianna on Thursday, May 28 from 7-8:15 pm at Osoyoos Lakeview Plaza at 9150 Main St. (the plaza with Blue Barn and Red Apple). Organizers are asking for as many people as possible to help fill the parking lot and at 8:15 p.m. the assembled crowd will start chanting “Tianna Strong!” The organizers are also urging people to wear purple or green. Also a reminder to park nearby and walk to the parking lot.
Donations to help the family, which is staying at Ronald McDonald House along with support from Highway to Healing, can be made at: BMO which has an account for direct donations under Tianna Strong, cash donations can be dropped off at Junction 3 Coffee, Queen of the South, The Sage Pub and other locations which are spreading rapidly.
Helping the fundraising effort: A bottle drive by local youth.
Facebook photo
