Spunky and Strong: How June Bug Battles Leukemia with Courage at Manning Family Children’s

When Taylor Cormier and her fiancé, Tanner Herbert, welcomed their daughter, June Elise Cynthia Herbert, on December 19, 2022, they knew they had a bright light on their hands. June was quickly adored by her big sister, Freya, and the two girls filled their home with joy. According to Taylor, who lovingly calls her baby “June Bug,” this little girl was a “sassy, spunky” kid from day one.  

Life for Taylor and Tanner wasn’t always easy. Financial challenges made things difficult at times, but when it came to what truly mattered—a joyful home filled with love and laughter—they had it all. 

But all that changed when June’s health took a turn. 

A step back and a worrying discovery 

At around 16 months old, June started sleeping more than usual, said Taylor, 26. She brushed it off at first, recalling that Freya had also slept a lot at that age. But one day, while they were cuddling, Taylor smoothed June Bug’s hair to comfort her and felt swollen bumps at the base of her baby’s skull. 

“I had absolutely no clue what I was feeling but I knew something wasn’t right,” Taylor recalled. She took June to the pediatrician right away, but their hometown doctor reassured her that the swollen bumps were likely just related to teething and nothing to worry about.  

Taylor didn’t like the answer but admitted she wasn’t a doctor. She tried to stay calm, but when more swollen bumps appeared under June’s jaw and on the back of her head, she and Tanner decided it was time to take action. 

Another visit to the pediatrician resulted in bloodwork. Later that same afternoon, the results showed she needed antibiotics and immediate transport to a more specialized hospital.  

“All of a sudden, the problem went from normal teething to cancer! When they called and said that June’s blood counts were way off and they thought she had cancer, we couldn’t get to Manning Family Children’s in New Orleans fast enough,” Taylor said. 

So, that very same day, August 16, 2024, June was transferred by ambulance to Manning Family Children's and was admitted immediately. 

“Our world turned upside down. We were overwhelmed and weren’t even sure which questions to ask,” Taylor said.  

When the family took June to Manning Family Children’s, all their questions were answered and mom added, “They made us feel like June was in the very best hands.” 

Meeting her care team 

The next morning, Taylor and Tanner, met Justin Farge, MD, a hematologist-oncologist at Manning Family Children’s.  

“I immediately loved Dr. Farge,” Taylor recalled. “It was almost like he could read our minds. He told me not to blame myself—there was nothing I could have done. He gave us strength. Also, he reminded us over and over that he would explain anything as many times as we needed or wanted. He truly goes above and beyond.” 

June was diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a type of blood cancer. “It turns out the bumps I felt on June’s head had nothing to do with teething,” Taylor said. “They were cancer-filled lymph nodes. Since her blood counts were so off, June was considered high risk right away.” 

That week, the hematology and oncology team at Manning Family Children's sped into action. First, Dr. Farge sat down with June’s parents and explained the cancer treatment plan.  

“Dr. Farge has been so much more than just June’s oncologist. He’s been our guide through the darkest moments,” Taylor said. “He was the one who first diagnosed her and built the roadmap for every step of her treatment, from the first round of chemo to the ones still to come. What has meant the most is how he’s never once rushed us. He sits with us for as long as we need, answering every question, calming every fear, and reminding us we’re not in this alone. His compassion and steady presence have given our family hope and strength when we needed it most.” 

Then, a chemotherapy port-a-cath, a long-term IV port, was surgically placed by surgeon Jessica Zagory, MD, and it was “go time” for June. And, boy, was she ready. Kids on the oncology unit stay in 4 West, and Taylor shared that her little girl quickly became known as the “Menace of 4 West.” Even while managing the effects of strong chemotherapy, June was a force with her endless questions and upbeat attitude. 

Care team creativity wins the snow day! 

Taylor vividly remembers Megan Lang, RN, the first nurse June had at Manning Family Children’s. “She sticks in my memory. She got us set up, helped us process the information, and answered our questions,” Taylor said. 

Nurse Brandi Goble, RN, later joined June’s care team and “became a source of joy,” Taylor said. June was still getting inpatient chemo during what meteorologists have called a “generational snowstorm.” The entire city was in a deep freeze, blanketed by snow. It was such a novel event for most of the children that the nurses were scooping up snow and bringing it into the patients’ rooms so they could see and feel it. 

June, however, was in isolation and unable to experience the once-in-a-lifetime winter event. Instead, Brandi helped divert her attention by planning a paint party for June! Brandi spread out bedsheets and allowed June to paint colorful designs. “I don’t even have words to explain how important Brandi became to June. They formed a real bond,” Taylor said. 

“Also, Tieraney Navarre has become one of June’s absolute favorite nurses,” she continued. “June even named her nurse doll Tieraney.” 

Taylor also praised four patient care technicians—Jehrana, Sione, Lori, and Kamri. “They are angels. June loves them. We found these women to be the backbone of patient care at Manning Family Children’s.” 

A long journey of treatment 

June stayed in the hospital for 28 days after her initial admission. Then, she was discharged to celebrate her second birthday and Christmas at home. But she returned for her next four-week round of inpatient chemo in January, 

Throughout treatment, June has faced the side effects of chemotherapy, including hair loss, neuropathy, pain, and mucositis. An inflammation of the mucous membranes in several parts of the body, mucositis is a common side effect of chemotherapy. 

Despite being in remission, June’s battle continues—with a chemo treatment plan lasting over 2 years. Next, June will be moving into “Interim Maintenance”, a two-month cycle of treatment which continues to eliminate any remaining leukemia. After that, we hope she can transition to Maintenance which will allow her to be home more often. 

At that point in treatment, June will make monthly visits to New Orleans for chemotherapy, and she will continue taking daily oral medication at home. 

Looking forward to brighter days ​

Through it all, Taylor and Tanner have held on to hope and the strength of their care team. And sister Freya has been a source of friendship and comfort to her little sister. 

“In the beginning I was so skittish and not comfortable with everything happening at the hospital. My brain was scattered,” Taylor said. “But the doctors, nurses, and techs gave me patience, strength and love. Each of them has made a real difference for our family, and we are so grateful.” 

For now, Taylor’s dreams are simple: “I dream of the day when June isn’t sick. When our family can celebrate birthdays and holidays and even just ordinary days together. I also think about taking the girls to the beach. That thought brings me a lot of calm.” 

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. To join us in the fight against pediatric cancer, right here at home, visit manningchildrens.org/cancer.  

Manning Family Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders comprises the largest pediatric hematology and oncology team in the Gulf South and are specially trained to offer the most advanced treatments for childhood cancer, right here at home. Click here to learn more about our pediatric oncology services and how we combine innovative, expert care with compassion and hope.   

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About Manning Family Children’s: 

Manning Family Children’s is a 263-bed, non-profit academic pediatric medical center that offers comprehensive healthcare services, including over 40 pediatric specialties, just for children. With more than 600 pediatric providers, Manning Family Children’s offers a comprehensive array of specialized pediatric services in Louisiana and the Gulf South. In addition to its main campus located in New Orleans, Children’s operates a network of specialty clinics across Louisiana, including in Covington, Baton Rouge, Alexandria, Lafayette, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Children’s offers primary care at 17 convenient locations, along with a network of statewide pediatric affiliations. Children’s is a proud member of LCMC Health, a Louisiana-based, not-for-profit hospital system which also includes New Orleans East Hospital, Touro, University Medical Center New Orleans, West Jefferson Medical Center, East Jefferson General Hospital, Lakeview Hospital, and Lakeside Hospital. Learn more at manningchildrens.org.