‘Welcoming, fun and community’ are the three words that 17-year-old Tia says perfectly sums up Livewire.
After being diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (cancer of the bone) when she was 12, Tia’s teenage years were spent in and out of hospital undergoing multiple surgeries and painful treatments.
“When I first got sick, my whole world came to a stop. I hadn’t even finished my first year of high school and suddenly I’m in hospital having cancer treatment,” Tia said.
Every aspect of family life changed from that moment.
“Tia’s diagnosis threw us a curve ball,” her mum Keiko said. “We had no idea of the challenges that were waiting for us. We felt broken and terrified but knew that we needed to stay strong for Tia.”
Sadly, Tia suffered relapses over the years and has had to relearn how to walk again and again.
Her mum said it was heartbreaking seeing her daughter so unwell. The side effects of the treatment left Tia exhausted and in pain and caused her to lose her hair multiple times.
For Tia, the hardest part has been dealing with the ongoing uncertainty and getting used to her “new normal.”
Tia missed much of her high school life and has restrictions on simple daily activities like what she can eat and when and where she can travel. She currently uses crutches and a wheelchair to get around.
“I went from having a set routine to never really knowing what could happen next. I also feel a sense of sadness for the life I used to have or the life I could have had.”
Discovering Livewire soon after her diagnosis has helped Tia stay strong throughout her long and challenging healthcare journey.
“Livewire has helped me have a small escape from the boredom of hospital life. I love being creative and sociable and Livewire has given me so many opportunities to have fun and be creative. Over the years, I have joined in lots of different games and activities like painting, crochet and other random crafts!”
The Livewire team is all about creating moments of fun and connection and Tia said she loves that they always chat about things ‘other than hospital.’
“Without Livewire, I’d feel like I had lost a bit of my creative spark. There wouldn’t be anything fun to help pass the time other than watching TV. With Livewire, hospital life is now filled with fun and creativity, and sometimes even a surprise craft goody bag!” Tia said.
Visits from the Livewire team are always the highlight of Tia’s days in hospital, helping her feel less isolated and alone.
From a parent’s perspective, Keiko believes Livewire plays an important role helping young people in hospital focus on positive thinking and improves their mental well-being.
“Whenever Tia is feeling sick, tired and miserable the Livewire team lift her spirits by playing games, quizzes or just chatting. It would otherwise be very daunting just focusing on the medical stuff,” her mum said.
Keiko laughed that she and Tia also love doing some of Livewire craft activities together!
While Tia is still undergoing treatment and is in hospital every week, she said having Livewire there helps her know she’s not alone.
“The great thing about Livewire is the people. They truly love what they do and never make you feel out of place or “not normal.” They’re so welcoming and are always ready for a chat,” Tia said.
Her mum said the family is so thankful to Starlight supporters and everyone who makes Livewire possible.
“We’ve been on a very turbulent journey, so try to focus on everyday moments and appreciating the small things. Tia has shown incredible strength throughout and is an inspiring and remarkable person. Your generous contributions have been truly meaningful to Tia and our family helping us cope with life in hospital. Thank you.”
