Prior to the arrival of their youngest child, Tegan and Andrew embarked on a family adventure around New Zealand with three-year-old Isobel (Izzy) and one-year old Oliver.
As they travelled, Tegan and Andrew noticed that Izzy wasn’t her usual bubbly self, and her appetite had changed. Her grandparents couldn’t believe this usually athletic little child was now obsessed with sitting in her little brother’s stroller at every opportunity.
When the family’s trip ended in four weeks of lockdown, Izzy started to struggle with constipation and was still “just not herself”, so when Izzy's childcare centre also noticed a change in her behaviour, Tegan took her to the GP.
After initial testing Izzy was prescribed some medication for her bowel, but when she was still inextreme discomfort a few days later Tegan and Andrew took Izzy to their local hospital emergency department for further investigation.
To their total shock, an ultrasound detected a large tumour on Izzy’s left kidney.
“We had never thought about childhood cancer, so were very naïve that it could happen in our family. The pain she was going through all made sense. We were totally heartbroken and scared of the unknown.”
The following day the family packed their bags and headed away yet again, this time for two weeks of chemotherapy in a neighboring state.
As Izzy’s treatment began, family life was turned upside down for Tegan and Andrew. From welcoming a new baby to the challenges of interstate travel during a global pandemic, the young family was frequently forced apart.
“Pretty quickly it became too difficult to travel with a baby. So, every three weeks Izzy and Andrew would travel to get her treatment, as this couldn't be done locally. This also meant everytime they would come home they would then have to isolate for two weeks away from the rest of the family because of COVID,” recalls Tegan.
Besides the family separation, the hardest thing for Izzy herself was everything she missed out on doing because of her illness. Swimming at the beach, attending pre-school and kindergarten, and joining in on birthday parties and other celebrations were all out of the question for Izzy due to her treatment. “Izzy would constantly ask to play with friends, which was extremely hard for her,” Tegan reflects
During her time in hospital, Izzy was thrilled to have her friend Captain Starlight to keep her company and help her smile every step of the way.
The first time the Captains paid a visit to Izzy they had a whole bag of fabulous arts and crafts to get her through her stay, and the day Izzy had her last chemo session they threw a huge party and presented Izzy with her very own Captain’s outfit!
At every visit in between Captain Starlight would be there help Izzy through by singing songs and having funny chats to distract her from her pain.
For the few weeks COVID relented during her treatment, Izzy revelled spending time in the amazing, wonderful Starlight Express Room at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
Following a heartbreaking relapse, Izzy and her family learned she would be granted a Starlight Wish. After a year filled with isolation and inactivity, Izzy knew exactly what she wanted to wish for, and soon plans for her very own “fairy nature” adventure playground were well underway!
Izzy and younger brothers Olly and Sage were heavily involved in the process and loved to watch as the magical space took shape in their backyard. Under their watchful eyes, a beautiful sensory garden complete with play equipment, a fort, and a fabulous pink slide came together.
“Even though Izzy is undergoing chemotherapy she is still very active,” says Tegan. “Izzy isn't able to go to playgrounds because she is immunocompromised, and some playgrounds can be a bit too dangerous for her physical ability. By having her very own playground at home, and specifically built to her capabilities, it has meant she doesn't have to miss out on all the fun."
Receiving a Starlight Wish meant much more to the family than having a fantastic play space for their children.
The generous support of the Starlight supporters who have made Izzy’s wish possible has been an enormous comfort.
“Being able to receive a Starlight Wish really made us feel like people understand how tough life has been for Izzy and the family. I think Izzy feels like she has been rewarded for her patience and tolerance during treatment.”
A huge thank you goes to all the Starlight supporters who have made this wish possible for Izzy and her family.
