DOUGLAS, Ga. (WALB) - A Coffee County family is hosting a walk next week in honor of Zi’Tavia Freeman, who died from childhood cancer at age 26.

The event is scheduled for Sept. 26 at 7 a.m. at the Airport Track. All proceeds will benefit Childhood Cancer of Coffee County. Donations can also be made through Cash App at $CalSue64.

Diagnosis and treatment

Zi’Tavia Freeman was diagnosed in February at age three with a brainstem glioma, according to her mother, Shakina Freeman. Doctors said she would not live past a year and a half.

“But with God, she did,” Freeman said.

Freeman said the family’s treatment journey started in Jacksonville, Florida, and later moved to Atlanta. She said Zi’Tavia received chemotherapy once a week in Jacksonville for a year, every Friday.

Freeman said Zi’Tavia first showed symptoms of falling, vomiting and appearing ill. The family initially thought she had a virus. A local doctor referred the family to a children’s hospital for further treatment.

Zi’Tavia’s grandmother, Carolyn Brockington, said doctors told the family Zi’Tavia would never walk, but she said she would walk again — and did. Brockington said Zi’Tavia also graduated from high school after doctors said she would not.

“They knew it was God,” Brockington said. “They couldn’t say nothing, but it was God.”

Remembering Zi’Tavia

Freeman described her daughter as bubbly, a people person and a social butterfly who loved crossword puzzles. Freeman said her favorite memory of her daughter was that Zi’Tavia was always concerned about her.

Freeman said she wears a necklace with Zi’Tavia’s photo every day.

“I have to have her with me every day in order just to make it,” Freeman said. “Letting people see her beautiful face. And that way I have the opportunity if someone asks, I can tell them about her.”

Freeman said Zi’Tavia loved Betty Boop merchandise, owned more than 20 pocketbooks featuring the character, and once met Betty Boop in Orlando. Freeman said Zi’Tavia also loved eating pizza.

Brockington keeps a room in her house decorated with Zi’Tavia’s photos. She said Zi’Tavia would remind her to bring her cashew nuts on paydays.

Why the family walks

Freeman said she organized the walk because Zi’Tavia would have wanted it, and because she wants others to be aware of childhood cancer.

Freeman said the family also plans to collect toiletry items for Zi’Tavia’s birthday on Nov. 3 and deliver them to the hospital. She said she and Zi’Tavia had talked about the idea while leaving Atlanta after one of Zi’Tavia’s treatments.

Freeman said people who attend the walk can expect prayer, memories of Zi’Tavia and laughter.

Brockington said people who attend can expect fellowship and friendship.

“We’re doing it for the children,” Brockington said. “They’re not alone. They’re not fighting alone. We’re walking this walk to fight with them, to let them know that they always got somebody behind them.”

Brockington said the walk is done independently to raise money, and the family later presents a check to Childhood Cancer of Coffee County.

https://www.nfcr.org/cancer-types/cancer-types-brain-cancer/

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