SAN ANTONIO – She gave birth to a healthy baby while fighting stage 4 colon cancer and now her battle continues.
KSAT introduced Tyisha Kemp back in November, while a team of doctors created a plan for her baby's safe delivery. Little Andrew is now 7 months old, and he's one of the reasons his mom isn't giving up her fight.
A curious little 7-month-old tries to stand, but behind him, his mom is holding him tight. Little does he know, he's helping support her too.
"He's amazing," Kemp said, holding Andrew and rocking him side to side.
Tyisha Kemp was 28-years-old and 22 weeks pregnant with Andrew when she was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. It's such a rare situation, doctors have only documented 275 cases. Kemp's was complicated, but she was able to give birth naturally, two months early.
"He's here and he's healthy and it was hard but worth it," Kemp said.
RELATED: Pregnant and diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer
He is bringing joy to the whole family, including big sister Amira, who's almost four.
"He smiles at me," Amira said shyly.
"You like when he smiles at you?" Kemp laughed.
For being two months premature, Andrew is way ahead of the growth curve and he's already crawling.
"I was just worried about getting him here. That was a really big part of everything so it just helps that he's doing well," Kemp said.
Now, aside from mommy duties, she has strict doctor's orders to focus on herself. The cancer inside her hasn't backed down.
"It's progressing. The tumors in my liver are actually growing so he really wants to attack that and get that under control," Kemp said.
Within the next week, she'll start a new, stronger chemo. She's calm, ready, unafraid. Looking at her beautiful, healthy children, she sees no other option.
"You have to try because I mean, I want to see them do everything and grow up and interact, and she will start school this year. So yeah, that's kind of a big deal to be here," she said.
So she fights, soaking up every moment along the way.
Kemp's family and friends are organizing a fundraiser for her, to help with all the medical expenses. It will be on Aug. 12 at the Southwest High School athletic complex concession stand, next to the tennis courts. It will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until the food runs out.
To donate or help out, contact Reanna Lozano 210-473-7667 or Liz Arzola 210-428-0562.
--------------------------------------------------------
Don't miss a thing. Get email alerts from KSAT12 today.
Get alerted to news events as they happen or sign up for a scheduled news headline email that is delivered right to your inbox. Breaking news, severe weather, daily forecasts, entertainment news, all of the day’s important events to keep you up to date wherever you are.
Sign up today. It's Free.