When Heidi and Blake Schow received a call from doctors explaining that there was nothing left to do to prevent cancer taking the life of their daughter, the first thought that came to mind was, “how do we tell a four-year-old girl that she’s going to die?”
They discovered that the answer to their question was, with lots of love and the help of an entire community.
“We were always honest about the cancer,” Heidi explained to Oregon Live “But after the call we had to have a different kind of talk. I’ve never had to say such hard words.”
The parents were in the backyard watching their daughter, Lila May Schow play when they explained the tragic news to her.
“I told her that sometimes people don’t beat cancer,” Heidi said.
She added: “We talked about death. Blake said we loved her. She told us she was going to ‘kick cancer’s butt,’ which we’ve been preaching. Then she squirmed out of my lap and started playing in the grass and we began sobbing.”
Lila May blows out her last birthday candles.
The grieving mum poignantly added: “It’s the most painful thing I’ve ever felt.
The 30-year-old mother took to Facebook to explain Lila’s battle and her entire community in a small US town rallied together to give her the most memorable final birthday party ever.
A DJ put his hand up to play, actors dressed up as Disney Princesses, bakers donated cakes and a carpenter built a stunning throne for Lila to sit in.
“We’re touched and honoured. This community is a bit of heaven,” Heidi beamed.
Police blocked off a street and a dozen volunteers turned an old bank building into a magical castle.
Almost 1000 people showed up to the event which was reminiscent of a prom and a wedding all in one as the guests witnessed a touching father/daughter dance.
Proud dad Blake told their local radio station KATU, “We don’t know how much time we have left, and we have put up one hell of a fight. We just want to give her everything she deserves.”
Dozens of volunteers pitched in to make Lila’s last ever birthday party memorable!
After the amazing day, Heidi took to social media to thank everyone who played a part in their daughters special do, “Lila said she had her own fairy tale ball for her birthday, Brought tears to my eyes… this momma is happy. My heart is full! THANK YOU for making Lila feel so special in her big day.”
Sadly the family have exhausted all treatment options and Lila’s neuroblastoma is expected to take her life before Christmas, but for her parents the last few months aren’t about sadness and grief, “It’s all about making a little girl smile.”
Watch Lila May’s last ever birthday party in the player above
