Texas real estate broker JT Haynes & co-owner/agent/wife Jamie Haynes of Triangle Realty, LLC, a digital, mobile and paperless brokerage firm (www.trianglerealtyllc.com), are pleased to announce that Jordan Schulte, Kelsi Thomas, Carol Sue LeGate, and Missy Harris have all contributed to the 2016 Triangle Realty First Fruits Fund. The brokerage matched their donations thus allowing them to contribute a combined $1,590 to Team Tatum (Tatum Schulte and family).
Tatum Schulte is an energetic nine-year-old young lady who loves hanging out with friends and playing soccer and basketball. In November 2015, Tatum was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, the most common type of bone cancer, in her leg and on a portion of her spine. She went through 10 weeks of chemotherapy in preparation for surgery. On March 7, 2016 Tatum had an extensive operation which included amputation of her leg just below the knee and tumor removal on an area in her back. After surgery, she completed 19 more weeks of chemotherapy. Tatum stayed incredibly strong throughout her battle and has become an inspiration to many. After a long and hard battle, Tatum’s scans came back cancer free on September 7, 2016! She continued to enjoy life playing sports, attending school, and praising God.
On December 5, 2016, an MRI on Tatum’s back came back unclear. A mass was found on the connective tissue around her spine. Tatum’s mom, Shawna Schulte, shared this post on Facebook after finding out the news:
“…We sat both girls down last night to break the news. Tatum’s toughness surpasses anything I’ve ever witnessed… I wanted her to cry so I could burst, but she didn’t. After we told her how sorry we were that she would have to do this again she said ‘It’s ok…at least it’s not in my other leg and I have to have my leg amputated’…she leaves me speechless. So we will put our amour back on and go to battle again. We know that this is another chapter to Tatum’s story and we are blessed that the Lord continues each day to comfort and guide us through the good and the storms…. He hasn’t left our side. We have an amazing team of doctors, nurses, and PRAYER WARRIORS and we are so grateful for that! We ask that you continue to flood Heaven with prayers as we fight this battle…”
Tatum took the news like a champ! She began 2 more cycles of chemotherapy to try to kill the cancerous cells. Tatum has never stopped enjoying this life God has blessed her with. She jumped on the opportunity to get a new hair style after her hair fell out due to chemo. Tatum picked out a BEAUTIFUL brown wig from Merle Norman. “The minute she put it on, her eyes lit up and her smile was enormous. … so thankful for these moments you can forget about cancer and enjoy life!” says Shawna.
On February 14, 2017 the Schulte family shared the following:
“We met with Tatum’s team of doctors all morning. Unfortunately, Tatum’s tumor has doubled in size since we scanned in December so obviously the chemo has not worked. Surgeons feel like even though surgery is very risky, we must proceed with it. Waiting on clinical trials or any other medicine could allow the tumor to grow and paralyze her from the waist down. The surgeons really were surprised at the findings on the scans and in some ways speechless. They describe this surgery very difficult and risky. So hard to swallow as parents, but I told them that if it meant keeping Tatum alive and her being with us the rest of our lives then we would do it. It’s Tatum..she is a warrior, she is the toughest, and if anyone can conquer this surgery, it’s HER! All Dr’s agreed that she has already surpassed their expectations and no doubt she will again! We will stay another night for another scan tomorrow morning! As soon as both doctors have an opening for this long of a surgery we will be scheduled! We ask that you please begin praying over this surgery, surgeons, and Tatum. Like Travis told me, WE ARE STILL IN THE GAME…..THANK YOU JESUS!
#NOT1CELL
#TRUSTINGINHIM
#TATUMTOUGH”
The surgery was scheduled for March 8, 2017 (TODAY). The family refused to let this news knock them down. They proceeded to attend their Make-A-Wish trip in Hawaii for a relaxing get-away before surgery. They also enjoyed an evening at home cheering on the Canyon varsity girls’ basketball team as they brought home their fourth consecutive state championship.
Today they ask for your prayers…
Prayers for Tatum – That she may feel comfort both before and after surgery, she will feel confidence in God’s control of the outcome of the surgery, and that she will never feel like she is alone in this process.
Prayers for the surgeons – That they will have guidance and success in their work with this very delicate surgery, that they will have endurance for the length of the surgery and that they will be aware of the presence of God with them in their work.
Prayers for Travis and Shawna (Mom and Dad) – That they will feel comfort and courage as Tatum is taken into surgery, peace as they wait, and patience and stamina as they continue down this long road.
Prayers for Shaylin (Sister) – That she will be free from worry and to find her trust in the Lord.
Prayers for other family – That their travels will be safe and that the will be a source of comfort and strength for Travis and Shawna.
Prayers for the surgery – That it will be a complete success in removing every cancer cell, that clear margins are attainable without any nerve or spinal cord damage, and that the surgery is less extensive and easier than originally planned.
Prayers for Tatum’s recovery – That her pain would be controlled and that she can rest comfortably.
Prayers for post-surgery – For wisdom and direction for Travis and Shawna as they research and find a clinical trial for Tatum to participate in after surgery and that her biopsy from surgery will provide appropriate results for her qualify for the desired trial in Houston.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for donations. A medical fund has also been set up through First United Bank in Canyon, Texas under Tatum Schulte Medical Fund FBO: Tatum Schulte. You can make donations at any First United Bank location and/or mail to: