Twelve-year-old Emma was born to dance! On the move since she was three, Emma’s week is usually filled with lyrical, hip hop, drama and performing arts classes.
Described by Dad Brendan as “everybody's friend”, Emma’s kindhearted and thoughtful nature means she is always thinking of others.
When Emma developed swelling in her neck, face and cheeks, parents Alex and Brendan sought testing through their local GP. But when the tests were inconclusive, and the swelling remained weeks later, they took her to the emergency department seeking answers.
No one was prepared for what came next.
Emma was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and admitted to the Oncology ward.
“It was absolutely life-shattering" says Alex. “Nothing can prepare you for a cancer diagnosis for your child”.
The first six weeks of treatment for Emma were extremely difficult. Her body reacted badly to the steroids and chemotherapy she needed, and she was transferred to Intensive Care with sepsis and liver failure. She became bedridden as her body had become so weak. Her parents feared she may not make it as her body struggled to cope.
It was a hugely stressful time for the family.
Fortunately, both Brendan and Alex have been able to take leave from their business to be there for Emma throughout her treatment, and to support her siblings Isabelle and Will.
“As parents we want to deal with Emma's illness in an upfront and transparent way with all the kids so we can get through it together. But it’s been quite disruptive for Isabelle and Will. While they visit her every day in the hospital, it’s very hard for them to see their sister so unwell,” says Brendan.
Following Emma’s traumatic first weeks of treatment, she is now slowly recovering so her body can cope with the Chemotherapy required to help her. While she remains in hospital, her family are excited to see Emma’s personality returning, and are in awe of her courage and strength.
Still, each day Emma’s treatment continues to take an enormous toll on her. With up to a dozen medications daily, needles, and intense physical therapy, Emma has been pushed to her limits both physically and mentally.
True to her caring nature, even while she is still so unwell, Emma constantly asks how her siblings are coping and is very mindful of the impact her illness is having on them.
After three months in hospital, Emma desperately misses her schoolmates and her dancing. The lack of mobility and movement has been incredibly hard for such an active girl. Her friendly and familiar routine is gone, replaced with the hospital’s schedule.
Luckily, Captain Starlight has been on hand to help Emma cope with the pain and frustration of her treatment.
Every morning the Captains visit Emma on the ward to check on her, and chat about the day ahead. They bring her craft, games and activities to keep her busy throughout the day. This is an important part of helping Emma maintain a routine and regain some of the independence she has lost.
Emma loves to join in on the daily bingo games run by the Captains, as well as the daily Kahoot quizzes. While she rarely leaves the ward due to risk of infection, Starlight TV allows Emma to feel connected to the Captains, and to other kids throughout the day.
Dad says Emma’s goal is to become well enough to visit the Starlight Express Room and join in on all the fun in person.
To Alex and Brendan, the benefits of Emma having something to look forward to each day are enormous. For her to be able to laugh, play, and feel connected as she endures one treatment after another is a priceless gift.
“There's so much uncertainty facing our family as we have no idea how Emma's body will respond to different types of treatment - so to have Starlight step in, show up every day we're in hospital to help Emma smile, we're so thankful. It's something we can count on during otherwise difficult times” – Alex and Brendan
