I'M Taryn,
carrying june was born from my grief.
I’m a registered nurse (RN) and mother of three. My daughter
June died from neuroblastoma at 18 months of age. Writing
helped me survive losing her.
I'M Taryn,
carrying june was born from my grief.
I’m a registered nurse (RN) and mother of three. My daughter June died from neuroblastoma at 18 months of age. Writing helped me survive losing her.
the beginning of my story
Hi– I’m Taryn. Our daughter, June, was declared NED five months into treatment, but ultimately the cancer returned and she died after nearly one year of intense treatment. Beginning the day June was diagnosed, I lost my identity as a mother, wife, and nurse.
Shortly after she died, I rewrote the traumatic events June and our family experienced, in hopes of processing them. What I discovered through writing was that I was able to process my daily grief, as well as recreate my existence by first writing it on a page. Shedding layers of trauma and the self I once identified with, allowed for me to dream of how beautiful life might become because of June’s existence.
In the reflection of my words, I saw how I was creating a life with purpose and applying meaning to my tragedy. Writing has both comforted me by keeping June vibrant in my life.
Today, I write regularly about grief, motherhood, pediatric cancer, spirituality, hope, child loss, and creating meaning after losing a child, in honor of June. I share my stories in hopes of connecting to another mother, parent, or caregiver in the pediatric cancer community which is often marginalized and can be extremely isolating.
Thank you for being here and for your support. I can’t wait to hear your voice and share your experiences with our community.
my writing is for the ones who know
Today, I write regularly about grief, pediatric cancer, motherhood, child loss, hope, spirituality, and healing. My words are for the parents who feel isolated, for the caregivers carrying silent burdens, and for anyone searching for meaning after devastation.
Coming soon
A memoir written by Taryn Jarboe offering June's intimate experience with a pediatric cancer diagnosis, treatment, and outcome, written through the lens of a registered nurse and mother. This memoir is written for parents, caregivers, and anyone touched by pediatric cancer and child loss and is infused with hope and the knowing that there is someone else out there who has experienced this horrific circumstance and every day they choose life. Sign up to be the first to know when it is available.
reading testimonials
What early readers are saying about the upcoming book.
"Powerful, moving, and at times, like a punch in the gut. Taryn writes about profound loss with both vulnerability and strength. Readers will travel with Taryn the edge in her grief. A poignant testament to the enduring bond between mother and child that death cannot break."
Melanie Bangor
Early Reader
"With every page turned, this feeling of overwhelming hope resonated from the pages. I could envision others opening this book...in the fetal position...laughing, crying, and healing."
Taylor Black
Host of The Empty Arms Podcast
"The pages are filled with beautiful sentences that read more like a poem. The honesty and brutality of which you speak of June’s journey through cancer is both full of heartbreak and hope. Any mother who is walking this journey that picks up your book would surely feel less alone. Mission accomplished."
Taylor Black
Host of The Empty Arms Podcast
In the Media
featured essay on mamamia
The world became a terrifying and unpredictable place after our daughter June was diagnosed with cancer. It only grew worse as we spent a large part of the year isolated in a hospital room. Furthermore, I was pregnant...
featured writings
On Medium
My Blog (no Medium subscription needed)
"writing has comforted me during the most tragic of times. it's how i've kept june vibrant in my life"
Your story matters. Each experience of loss is unique, yet in sharing our journeys, we create connection and meaning. Consider adding your voice to our community.
Grief Resources
Financial support
Aid for families facing medical expenses, household bills, and other financial challenges.
Recommended Books
Curated reading list for grief, parenting through illness, and healing journeys.
Podcasts
Listen to inspiring stories & helpful discussions about childhood cancer journeys.