We all know the saying, "Life is a journey." None of us know how and when each journey will end or what joys and challenges are along the way. One little girl, June Dallas, was only given three years on this side of eternity, but what a difference her journey made. And continues to make.
June Dallas Peden-Stade was born Aug. 20, 2019, and had a wonderful first year of life. She lived in Auburn with her parents, Adam and Ali. She now has a brother, Brant. But soon after that first year she was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma.
On Sept. 28, 2020, June's mom, Ali, started a Facebook page called, "The Journey of June Dallas." On this page, Ali shared with the world about June's cancer and what seemed to lie ahead. She described her child's life and struggles in such a meaningful way that friends and strangers from all over felt a connection to this sweet child and her parents, Ali and Adam. Ali was so transparent, describing both the beauty of June's life and the ugliness of childhood cancer. "I wanted to share June's journey, but I wanted it to be real, not sugar-coated," June's mother wrote. Ali and Adam wanted people to know how the lack of funding for childhood cancer research is unfair.
June's "Journey" on social media continued, and its popularity grew. What started with a few family members and some friends following on social media ended up with over 19,000 people reacting to her posts. The post that reported her death received 6,000 comments and was shared over 3,000 times. Many people felt compassion and love for June and her family. They saw a little girl who, most of the time, kept smiling and loving life, even amid physical setbacks.
June inspired others by being such a happy and spunky traveler, a true fighter. Her father, Adam, said what he loved most about her was her sweet smile. Cancer did not define her, he said. Her smile did.
One of her favorite places to go was the Old Capitol Farmers Market in Springfield. And, like most kids, she loved many things. She loved parades, her dog Dolly, her ducks, all her family, her little friends and her health care workers.
St. John's Pediatrics in Springfield became a frequent stop for her. One of the nurses who cared for June said, "It was like she grew up with us." One nurse said June was more like family than any other patient she'd had. Because so much of June's treatment was during COVID, when outside visitors were limited, her connection to the staff became even more important.
When a health care worker was asked if it was the parents' grateful and helpful hearts that made June so special, she answered, no. "June herself made June so special." Those who knew June talked about her light, that she could light up a room with her smile and her spunky, and sometimes bossy, attitude. They said she loved to see and greet people, and often walked the halls with nothing on but a diaper, kicking balls while one of her parents dragged the IV poles.
Another nurse said June didn't hold grudges. There are times the nurses would have to do things that were uncomfortable, and that June didn't want done, the nurse explained. "She might pout a little, but she got over it soon." And continued to love her nurses.
June was loved by all who knew her or followed her story. There was a parade in her honor just five days before she died. She loved parades because people are happy and together. "Her" parade, organized by Make-A-Wish Foundation, was hours long and included people from all over Illinois.
Her love for people continues, as does the love of others for her. Her parents and family raise money for other children with cancer. They just hosted a huge toy drive for St. John's Hospital. They will continue to advocate for pediatric cancer research in June's honor.
Her life was short, but large. So much love came from it. She connected people and helped us all learn what is important. June was full of joy, she loved big, she was strong amid adversity, she held her family close, she never met a stranger, she didn't hold grudges, and she loved to smile. What a beautiful way to live. She made those three years matter.
Margaret Ann Jessup of Divernon is a previous oncology nurse and currently the executive director and pastor of Wooden It Be Lovely. She is a longtime friend of the Stade family.
