Personal message

In the midst of the covid pandemic, June 2020 we heard the heartbreaking words “your baby has cancer”.

Words that no parent ever wants to hear;  our daughter, Rhode was 5 months old at the time.  Her sister, Liale, my husband, and I as well as the rest of our family started a journey that would change our lives forever.

 The strain on us was at times so immense and felt unbearable.  Rhode’s cancer is extremely rare and optioning information felt impossible.  About 1 out of a million babies are diagnosed with it.

Rhode started chemotherapy and I was terrified of the side effects.  I witnessed her endure pain, her tiny body covered with open sores, I have never felt so helpless.

Her oncology team was incredible.  Professor Reynders and Professor Omar are straight from heaven.  Knowledgeable, patient, kind, understanding and they provided our family with the comfort and support we needed.

 We feel privileged that throughout Rhode’s cancer journey we had people praying for us and providing love.  We would NOT have coped without our support structure.

Rhode is now 17 months old and doing so much better, her prognosis is good however our baby girl will receive maintenance chemo until the age of two.

During our journey we witnessed the suffering of families around us, we felt powerless and the urge to help became overwhelming.  There are children that do not even have the luxury of transport money, food, and basic necessities.

 We heard about Rainbows and Smiles from the nurses at our ward and the incredible work they do for families who are living in poverty and fighting this dreaded disease.   

I am going to brave my very first triathlon and through my journey, I am going to ask you to support me, as I endeavor to raise funds and awareness for these families.

 Those who know me will realise this is a big deal, as I thought “freestyle stroke” was referring to a dress style.  I am now proud to say I can swim 3000m – it’s amazing what you can achieve with your heart and soul. 

Our little family was thrown into the rough seas of childhood cancer and we managed to survive.  So many people do not and it is my mission to raise awareness and support the families of those who need it most. 

Please help me make a difference in the lives of children with cancer, their families and witness me brave my very first 5150 events.

Thank you

 

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