On February 18, 2017, the world was forever changed for 11-month-old Blake Bardeau Daly and her family. At such a young age, Blake was diagnosed with Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor (ATRT), a rare and aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects young children. This diagnosis began a four-year journey filled with more challenges than any child or family should ever have to endure. Yet, throughout every hardship, Blake showed a strength, courage, and resilience that touched the hearts of everyone around her.

Blake’s fight against ATRT was long and grueling, marked by multiple surgeries, intense chemotherapy, and countless medical procedures. She underwent two major brain surgeries, tumor removal procedures, and a host of other treatments, all while her family stood by her side, providing unwavering love and support. Blake’s journey was not just one of survival but also a testament to the incredible love and strength of a little girl who fought with everything she had.

A Life Turned Upside Down: The Diagnosis of ATRT

Blake’s life, like so many others, was full of promise. She was a sweet, joyful baby, growing and thriving just as every parent hopes. But that all changed with her diagnosis of ATRT. This rare and aggressive cancer would force Blake and her family into a world they never imagined—one where they would have to fight for her life at every turn.

ATRT is an extremely rare and aggressive tumor, often found in the brain or spinal cord, and it most commonly affects young children. Its rarity makes it even more difficult to treat, with very few cases reported worldwide. Blake’s family was thrown into the overwhelming world of hospital visits, treatments, and uncertainty, where each day was a battle for her survival.

The Medical Battle: Blake’s Journey Through Treatment

From the moment Blake was diagnosed, her life became a whirlwind of medical procedures and treatments. She underwent multiple brain surgeries, including two large cranial surgeries and the removal of tumors. Her treatment was anything but easy; she had a Broviac line placed, a device used to deliver chemotherapy, and a feeding tube inserted to ensure she could receive the nutrition she needed during her battle.

Blake faced bacterial meningitis, a life-threatening complication that further complicated her already fragile condition. Despite all these challenges, Blake’s spirit never wavered. She endured high doses of chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and even the cutting-edge Gamma Knife radiation therapy, which targeted the remaining tumor cells with precision. She also had an Omaya reservoir implanted, a device used to deliver chemotherapy directly into the cerebrospinal fluid.

Each treatment brought its own set of challenges, yet Blake remained a warrior, facing everything with a strength that seemed beyond her years. Her parents, along with her extended family and medical team, stood beside her through every step of this difficult journey, offering all the love, support, and care they could give. They became her strongest advocates, ensuring she received the best possible care in the face of overwhelming odds.

A Family United in Love and Strength

Blake’s parents, along with her family, remained committed to providing her with the love and support she needed. Their world had changed overnight, but in the face of unimaginable adversity, they remained united. Every hospital stay, every setback, and every milestone were shared experiences that brought them closer together. Through all the fear, tears, and uncertainty, Blake’s family demonstrated incredible strength, holding onto hope even in the darkest of times.

Blake’s father, Jason Daly, was a constant source of strength, while her mother, Brittany Bardeau, was always by her side, advocating for Blake and ensuring her comfort and well-being. The love they shared for their daughter was the bedrock of their family’s strength. Together, they found the courage to face each new challenge with the determination to keep fighting, never allowing the darkness of illness to define Blake’s spirit.

As Blake’s treatment progressed, her family became a part of a larger community of supporters, from medical professionals to family friends and even strangers who followed Blake’s story. Their love and support created a network of strength that helped sustain Blake and her family through the hardest moments. Every person who met Blake or heard her story was touched by her resilience, and Blake became a symbol of strength for everyone who knew her.

The Final Battle: Blake’s Last Days

Despite the tireless efforts of her doctors, family, and medical team, Blake’s condition continued to deteriorate. In June 2021, after more than four years of fighting, Blake passed away at the age of 5, surrounded by the love of her family. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends who loved her, holding on to the hope that she would feel their love in her last moments.

Blake’s passing left an indescribable emptiness in the hearts of her family. No parent should ever have to bury their child, and the loss of Blake was a blow that they would carry with them for the rest of their lives. However, even in her death, Blake’s legacy lived on. She had inspired so many people with her bravery, her strength, and her incredible will to live. She had taught her family, her doctors, and everyone who knew her what it truly means to fight with everything you have.

A Legacy of Love and Hope

While Blake’s time with her family was tragically short, her impact on their lives will last forever. She taught them the true meaning of resilience, and the love they shared with her will never fade. Blake’s journey is a reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of never giving up, no matter how insurmountable the challenges may seem.

Blake’s family has chosen to honor her memory by continuing to raise awareness for ATRT and pediatric cancers. They want to ensure that Blake’s legacy is not just about the pain of losing her but also about the hope she inspired in others. Through their grief, they have committed to making a difference, speaking out about the importance of early detection, better treatments, and the need for increased funding for research into rare cancers like ATRT.

Finding Peace in the Midst of Grief

The grief that Blake’s family feels is profound, and the pain of losing her will never fully go away. But as they move forward, they have found peace in knowing that Blake’s life was full of love, and her spirit continues to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her. They have found comfort in their memories of her laughter, her determination, and her beautiful, bright smile.

Blake’s journey, while heartbreaking, has left a legacy that will continue to inspire others for years to come. Her story reminds us all of the importance of cherishing every moment, supporting one another through difficult times, and always holding onto hope—even when the road ahead seems impossibly hard.

A Tribute to Blake: Forever a Fighter

Blake Bardeau Daly was more than just a child who fought cancer—she was a symbol of strength, love, and the power of the human spirit. Her fight against ATRT may have ended too soon, but her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Her story serves as a reminder to never take a single day for granted, to always fight with everything we have, and to love fiercely, no matter the challenges life presents.

Blake’s family will continue to honor her memory by advocating for change and raising awareness about the disease that took her life. In doing so, they hope to bring about a future where children like Blake can have a chance at a longer, healthier life.

Rest in peace, Blake. Your courage will never be forgotten. 💖