Scarlett had just started Prep like any other five-year-old, when her life was turned upside down.
Instead of having the time of her life playing with her friends at school, Scarlett was fighting for her life in Brisbane – 1600km away from her home in Innisfail.
Scarlett was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare form of bone and soft tissue cancer, and has spent the past 12 months enduring chemotherapy, surgeries, blood and platelet transfusions.
Through it all, Scarlett has remained a positive and energetic little girl whose cheeky smile makes everyone smile.
Scarlett’s mum, Anna, said the care and support over the past 12 months at Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital had made all the difference when dealing with a situation no parent, or child, could ever prepare for.
“The oncologists and nurses have been absolutely amazing,” Anna said.
“They are so dedicated and passionate about what they do and every child is so important. They make you feel like you are the only patient they are seeing.”
Away from the medical needs, Anna said the services offered by Children’s Hospital Foundation had helped Scarlett cope with being in hospital for such a long period of time.
“There has always been plenty of entertainment and Scarlett especially liked Book Bunker program, bedside play volunteers and Juiced TV,” Anna said.
“No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of a mother.”
After 12 months of treatment Scarlett and her mum have just returned home to Innisfail.
They will have to return to Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital in Brisbane every three months for check-ups.
Now that Scarlett is home, she is looking forward to catching up with her cousins, grandma and aunties, and returning to school in the new year.
Scarlett said she will be doing lots of craft, singing, dancing, playing outdoors and with animals now that she is home.
Your generous donations to the Woolworths Regional Wall Tokens Campaign helps fund programs in your local hospital, and at Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital, which help families like Joel’s through an emotional, stressful, and at times uncertain journey.
Funds raised this year will go towards:
Mossman Hospital: McGrath video laryngoscope, Otowave Tympanometer and screening audiometer, Screening Cart, Broselow Alkuminiuym colour code cart, Sony Camera with CMOS Sensor.
Cairns Paediatrics: three high chairs, four wheelchairs with leg extensions, four commodes with leg extensions, three prams.
Cairns Theatre: two car/ride remote control vehicles to transport children to theatre, 1000 signature bears.
