November 2014 - Child Cancer Foundation
Transcription
November 2014 - Child Cancer Foundation
sharing NOVEMBER 2014 Lauren Supporting courage this Christmas inside: CONNOR: A year of firsts. PETER: A special little man. PRISCILLA: Her story. 1 Daily Contacts National SUPPORT Office PO Box 152, Shortland St, Auckland 1140 76 Grafton Road, Grafton, Auckland 1010 PHN (09) 366 1270 FAX (09) 377 9395 WEB www.childcancer.org.nz 0800 4 CHILD (0800 4 24453) Child Cancer Foundation throughout New Zealand: NORTHERN REGION Central region Auckland Family Place WELLINGTON Family Place PO Box 152, Shortland Street Auckland 1140 76 Grafton Road, Grafton Auckland 1010 PHN (09) 366 1270 FAX (09) 377 9395 EML akl.familyplace@childcancer.org.nz PO Box 7062 Newtown, Wellington 6242 27 Riddiford Street, Newtown Wellington 6021 PHN (04) 389 2620 FAX (04) 389 2690 EML aoconnor@childcancer.org.nz Northland Wellington & Districts Chairperson: Louise O’Hagan PHN 021 044 4613 EML northlandbranchchair@ childcancer.org.nz Chairperson: Leanne Fecser PHN 027 354 2038 EML wellingtonbranchchair@ childcancer.org.nz Auckland Manawatu & Districts Chairperson: Tam White PHN (09) 307 7253 EML aucklandbranchchair@ childcancer.org.nz Chairperson: Catherine Maxwell PHN 027 876 0093 EML manawatubranchchair@ childcancer.org.nz Waikato Hawkes' Bay Chairperson: Vincent Tuioti PHN 022 128 8403 EML waikatobranchchair@ childcancer.org.nz Chairperson: Tony Bryan PHN (06) 878 2229 EML hawkesbaybranchchair@ childcancer.org.nz Tauranga Nelson Chairperson: Debbie Roberts PHN 027 591 4861 EML taurangabranchchair@ childcancer.org.nz Tairawhiti Chairperson: Louise Savage PHN 027 260 2750 EML tairawhitibranchchair@ childcancer.org.nz Eastern Bay of Plenty Chairperson: Yvonne Osborne PHN 027 211 9129 EML ebopbranchchair@ childcancer.org.nz Lakes Chairperson: Win Macmillan PHN 027 476 3010 EML lakesbranchchair@childcancer. org.nz 2 Sharing • Child Cancer Foundation Chairperson: Jill Koefoed PHN (03) 547 7092 EML nelsonbranchchair@childcancer. org.nz Marlborough Chairperson: Barbara Thompson PHN 027 338 2086 EML marlboroughbranchchair@ childcancer.org.nz Taranaki Chairperson: Victoria Lewis PHN 021 156 1653 EML taranakibranchchair@ childcancer.org.nz Canterbury/West coast region CHRISTCHURCH Family Place PO Box 1846 Christchurch Mail Centre 8140 Temporarily located at: 297 Russley Road (entrance off Ron Guthrey Road), Avonhead, Christchurch 8042 PHN (03) 365 1485 Construction on our Family Place will begin shortly. Christchurch Chairperson: Grant Upjohn PHN (03) 359 9200 EML christchurchbranchchair@ childcancer.org.nz South Canterbury Chairperson: Mark Leonard PHN 021 149 2141 EML southcanterburybranchchair@ childcancer.org.nz North Canterbury (in recess) EML northcanterburybranchchair@ childcancer.org.nz WEST COAST - SUPPORT GROUP Chairperson: Margaret Woollett PHN 021 146 6231 EML woolletts@vodafone.co.nz Otago/southland region DUNEDIN Family pLACE PO Box 579, Dunedin 9054 28 London Street, Dunedin Central Dunedin 9016 PHN (03) 471 7258 FAX (03) 471 7259 EML cdonovan@childcancer.org.nz Southland Chairperson: Jo McAslan PHN (03) 207 2550 EML southlandbranchchair@ childcancer.org.nz North Otago Chairperson: Sharon Greaney EML otagonorth@childcancer.org.nz Central Otago Chairperson: Lynda Read EML otagocentralbranchchair@ childcancer.org.nz Dunedin Chairperson: Gloria Johnston PHN 022 100 4756 EML dunedinbranchchair@ childcancer.org.nz Inside: Connor - Incredible year of firsts 4 Pete Pirie - A special little man 14 A new beginning 6 The adventures of Ai 15 Child ambassador call out 7 Health professionals' update 16 Kids' pages 8 Christmas gifting 17 Priscilla's goal 9 Regional news 18 Remembrances 10 Update from our partners 19 Cover main photo: Lauren Hemingway during filming of our Christmas campaign video. A word from Robyn CHIEF EXECUTIVE Welcome to the November issue of Sharing. We've had a very busy past few months here at the Child Cancer Foundation. Work is underway on several projects that will help us deliver some wonderful new services to our families, and expand levels of support. One of these focuses is on helping children transition back into school after undergoing their treatment, ensuring this process is as seamless as possible for them. We will be helping schools to take a holistic approach by offering counselling and education programmes for teachers and staff. This will mean schools will have the best possible resources to help children get back on track with their school lives, both in and out of the classroom. We’ve also been researching how best to counsel families, parents, siblings and grandparents who are affected by child cancer. It is hoped that by mid-next year we will be able to deliver a broader range of top-quality services, in partnership with a counselling provider, to meet the needs of all of our family members. As you read this, we're embarking on a very special speaker tour with Professor Hamish Wallace from the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh, Scotland. Professor Wallace will be talking to parents about his work and research on the late effects of childhood cancer. We look forward to updating you all on how this tour went in our next issue. I’m happy to report too, that thanks to the support of Fletcher Construction and Christchurch International Airport, we are halfway through the 26 week re-build of our Family Place in Christchurch. If you’d like to follow our progress check out our Facebook page. It’s always lovely to be able to follow-up with families featured in Sharing. In this issue we feature a lovely interview with Nikki Campbell as she gets ready for her son Connor to start school following his cancer journey. We also meet two year old Aaron, who recently received his purple heart following treatment, and hear about how he and his family enjoyed a holiday together with support from us. Finally, I’d like to thank all of our staff, volunteers, national and regional ambassadors, sponsors and partners for all of the hard work, support and assistance they have provided for us this year. To our child ambassadors, who do an incredible job of giving a face to our organisation, I hope Santa is good to you this Christmas. I’d like to wish you all a very happy holiday and a safe and special Christmas. If you can, please try and take some time out to relax and recharge and enjoy the summer months. Kind Regards, Robyn Kiddle CHIEF EXECUTIVE - Child Cancer Foundation Child Cancer Foundation • Sharing 3 Connor INCREDIBLE YEAR OF FIRSTS Sharing readers may remember the story of Connor Campbell, the little boy diagnosed with Wilms Tumour four years ago. Recently, we caught up with Connor and his fabulous mum Nikki to see how they are getting on now that he is about to start school... 4 Sharing • Child Cancer Foundation There have been a lot of firsts for five year old Connor Campbell this year. He’s had his first bath in four years, his first trip to the beach and said his first few words. In fact, now that Connor is cancer-free and the recipient of a brand new kidney, thanks to his mum Nikki, there seems to be no stopping him. Four years ago however, it was a completely different story. Connor was so ill with Wilms Tumours in both his kidneys that his chance of survival was incredibly low. It all started just after Connor’s first birthday. “All of a sudden he began vomiting, he had a terrible temperature and he just got worse and worse,” remembers Nikki. Initially, Nikki, and dad Gordon, thought it was a tummy bug or flu but a tumour on his left kidney had ruptured causing severe infection. Nothing could save the kidney. In August 2010 it was removed and Connor began chemotherapy. Unfortunately, tumours in his right kidney were too aggressive to respond to treatment, so in February 2011 this was also removed. “That was one of the scariest times for us,” says Nikki. “Connor had a really bad reaction to his anaesthetic and his blood pressure just crashed. He stayed in hospital for three months. We thought we’d lose him many times.” Hemodialysis begun immediately after surgery, along with further rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. Eventually, Connor could return home, but he still had hundreds of procedures to endure. Nikki continued to administer dialysis treatments at home, which meant life was incredibly restricted for the entire family, including older sister Maud now eight. “It was hard. There were lots of things we couldn’t do. My mum stepped in a lot to help with Maud, which was amazing, and we received a lot of help and advice from the Child Cancer Foundation.” Nikki continues to monitor Connor closely. Prior to the transplant his fluid intake was limited - he was only able to have 350 mls per day – now she has to try and coax him to drink two litres of fluid to keep his kidney functioning properly. Connor also has to take immunosuppressant medication to ensure his body doesn’t reject the kidney. The adjustment from having such a sick little boy to a healthy one has been huge and at times Nikki doesn’t know what to do with herself. “My life revolved around hospital, chemotherapy, the dialysis machine and the transplant for four years - it became my version of normal. Now, I have to keep reminding myself we can leave the house and get out and do things.” One of the things she is most looking forward to is taking Connor swimming in the school pool this summer. “I can’t wait. He hasn’t been able to go into a pool before because of the risk of infection. Connor loves his baths so much, I just know he’s going to love the pool. I am really excited about seeing the look on his face when he gets in.” In the New Year Connor starts school where there will be many more firsts to come. In order to be considered for a live donor kidney transplant, Connor had to be cancer-free for two years. Nikki was determined to do everything possible to get her son there. “As soon as I found out a kidney transplant was an option, I put my hand up for it. As a mum I knew it was what I had to do. When Connor got the all clear, I pestered the doctors to try and hurry the process along because I knew with dialysis we were on borrowed time.” In November 2013, Nikki got her wish and Connor received his new kidney. “I noticed a change in him immediately,” says Nikki. “He was like a brand new boy in terms of his energy. He began to talk, he’d never spoken before, and he became interested in food. It was like a huge fog had lifted from him.” Child Cancer Foundation • Sharing 5 ANew BEGINNING There is one bead, more than any other, that children with cancer look forward to receiving the most; the purple heart – the bead that signifies the completion of treatment. Recently, two and a half year old Aaron Geerlings was able to add a purple heart, to his very large Beads of Courage® collection. So as that journey ends, another positive one begins because Aaron will very soon become a big brother. As a mum of four, Rebekah Geerlings was used to dealing with the regular ailments of childhood, but when her youngest child, Aaron, developed a very high fever out of the blue she instantly knew something was not quite right. Rebekah, and husband Luke, made the call to take their 15 month old straight to Tauranga Hospital, where he was immediately admitted with a severe case of pneumonia. “We thought, ok this should be quickly cleared-up, but the following morning when the doctors were examining him they felt something not quite right in his tummy, so they booked us in for a CT scan.” The scan showed a very large tumour growing near Aaron’s kidney and the doctors’ suspected Neuroblastoma. Surgery was the only option to remove the tumour. Once it was out an official diagnosis of Neuroblastoma was made and Aaron’s year-long cancer journey officially began. With three other children to take care of, (Tim, seven, Naomi, six and Micah, four,) Luke and Rebekah were initially reliant on support from their family to help them through the process. "We really weren’t sure how we were going to manage things. When we were up for Aaron’s first lot of treatment, a support worker from the Child Cancer Foundation came and introduced herself to us.” to be with Aaron on the ward. When we needed to we could use the Child Cancer Foundation Family Place, so the children could have a bit of time out. Back home in Tauranga, local family support worker Debbie Hockly was able to help facilitate extra assistance by organising petrol and grocery vouchers and connecting the family with others nearby also dealing with child cancer. Earlier this year, Debbie arranged for the family to have a much needed holiday at the Child Cancer Foundation holiday home in Taupo. “We all had so much fun. The kids loved it so much they are convinced the cottage is theirs. Every time they see another family using it on Facebook they ask me what are they doing in our cottage!” If there is one piece of advice Rebekah can offer to other families it would be to make use of the services the Child Cancer Foundation provides. “Don’t be shy about asking, they are there to help and also try and make connections with other families." Now that Aaron’s last two tests have come back all clear, the family are looking forward to adding a new member into the mix. “It’s going to be busy, but a good happy sort of busy. It’s great to have something positive and new to focus on. We can’t wait.” Rebekah and Aaron were able to stay at Ronald McDonald House while Aaron was undergoing his treatment - six rounds of chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, 12 sessions of radiation and a further six rounds of immunotherapy. As arduous as it sounds, Rebekah says it was made that much easier thanks to the Child Cancer Foundation. This support allowed them to relocate the family to Auckland every time Aaron needed to be in Starship. “I think we all got through it as well as we did because we were always able to be together,” says Rebekah. “We could bring the kids with us to stay at Ronald McDonald House and Luke and I were able to take it in 24 hour shifts 6 Aaron holding his purple heart bead. Sharing • Child Cancer Foundation CHILD Call Out AMBASSADOR Would you like to be one of our Child Ambassador stars for 2015? To create awareness and raise funds to help families affected by child cancer we would like to invite children and their families to be included in promotional imagery and media for the coming year. This will involve different types of media activity and advertising and may require some travel. We’re looking for three National Child Ambassadors and a number of Regional Ambassadors! For the three special stars for 2015, we’re seeking children between five – 12 years who love the camera. These three children will be selected for print promotional material and media activity during Child Cancer Appeal Month (March) and for the rest of the year. All children who apply will be invited to become a Regional Child Ambassador to take part in other local media opportunities, share their story and photos for our website/social media. So we are keen to hear from everyone who is interested. If your child would welcome the idea of being one of our 2015 stars, please supply us with the following: • Child’s full name • Date of birth • Gender • Your contact details (name, phone, address) • Child’s interests and hobbies • Please tell us a little bit about your child’s cancer journey • How did the Child Cancer Foundation help your family? • How many Beads of Courage® does your child have? • Please supply two or more recent photos of your child Please email the above details to Jade Le Geyt: jlegeyt@childcancer.org.nz by 21 November. Child Cancer Foundation • Sharing 7 Gorgeous artwork from Tawa, Wellington Kids ’ Pages CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Emily Harvey (6), Loren Harvey (8), Erica Boamach, age (6 ½). Andrew's awesome show! Nine year old Andrew of Auckland, was diagnosed with Wilms Tumour in October 2013. He and his three sisters decided they wanted to put on a special show for their Dad for Father’s Day. The kids spent most of the day preparing - typing up/laminating a programme, banners and scripting/practising their performance. They put together an awesome show with singing, dancing and entertainment. What talented kids! Addie goes to kindy Sophie's celebration Addie was diagnosed with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis at the age of six months. After 15 months of chemo and getting her purple heart at her second birthday, she has finally joined ‘normality’ and started kindergarten. She loves it! Sophie Gilchrist of Renwick, Blenheim, recently had her end of treatment meeting at Nelson Hospital (for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia). This photo is of her with the cupcakes the Child Cancer Foundation provided. They were made by a local café and were decorated to symbolise the Beads of Courage® and purple heart bead for end of treatment. Here is Addie Jane Torok (3) with her big brother Sammy (4). 8 Sharing • Child Cancer Foundation Sophie pictured. PRISCILLA'S Goal HER OWN RECITAL Looking at this picture of Priscilla John, it’s hard to believe that this vibrant six year old has undergone three different brain surgeries in less than two years. But as her doting mum Bensy says, she has just bounced back each and every time. Priscilla was diagnosed with a Pilocytic Astrocytoma in her cerebellum just two days after her fourth birthday. Bensy, herself a doctor specialising in spinal injury and recovery, had noticed her daughter had a tendency to lose balance and fall and that she also walked with her head tilted to one side. “She had had an ear infection so at first I put the balance problems down to that,” says Bensy. “But once that had cleared up and she was continuing to fall and tilt her head I took her to Starship to have her checkout and that confirmed my fears. She had a brain tumour.” Priscilla had her first operation five days later. says Bensy. “I spoke to some musician friends of mine in Dunedin and asked their advice and they said the violin was a great instrument for children to learn.” When Child Cancer Foundation Family Support Coordinator Mary Mangan learned of Priscilla’s desire she suggested the family apply for a Personal Development Grant to help pay for violin lessons. “We were hopeful that everything had been removed but when we went back for a check up scan three months later the tumour had grown back so we needed to have another operation pretty quickly.” “Mary was great. She was so supportive and helpful and she has been there for us every step of the way.” It was in between surgeries one and two that Priscilla first asked her mum and dad (Zibi) if she could learn to play the violin. Three months after her second operation Priscilla had another scan. Unfortunately, that too showed that the cancer had returned and yet another surgery took place. “I’d always thought of her playing the piano so it was a surprise when she said she wanted to play the violin,” Scans since then have remained clear and Priscilla has been moved to six monthly checks – a big improvement. Priscilla takes lessons privately once a week, however she tries to practise as much as she can. “She still has to go to the hospital to have things monitored, which she hates, but I always tell her that we will be able to visit Mary and the Family Place and she gets excited and sees that as her reward for having to do more tests. She really enjoys seeing Mary.” She also loves playing the violin and Bensy is looking forward to watching Priscilla perform in a recital one day. “She’s only just started but I think it is something she will always do. She’s very determined.” Child Cancer Foundation • Sharing 9 Remembrances adults fighting to do the bedtime story. I have to read them all over again just so I can find out what really happened in the end. I will read them with tears in my eyes and sadness in my heart but will still enjoy the adventures. Brooke Noble Daniel Camp Born: 12 March, 1993 Passing date: 18 September, 16 years Born: 16 February, 2007 Passing date: 22 May, 2014 Poem to Brooke Can I have another kiss, another hug, another smile? Can I have one more chance or a moment, just to be with you for a while? I thought you were mine to keep, but I was mistaken, So cruelly from my life you were taken. You are now living in the hearts of those you have touched, Your gentle soul, your amazing spirit, I love you so much. Most of the time, I think of you as not having gone away, As you are with me, in my memory & thoughts, every single day. Brooke, my Angel, your next journey has begun, Life holds so many facets… this earth is only one. Daniel’s story echoes like so many of the stories of our children that we have sadly lost. Written by Gina Love & missed always Mum (Gina) & Mariah xxx He was born in Durban, South Africa in February 2007. He was a bright, beautiful, energetic boy-child who loved life and captured the hearts of all who knew him. Daniel loved all things “boy” – riding his BMX; climbing trees; shooting his toy cowboy gun at anything that moved; cutting, chopping, sawing and drilling anything his dad would let him. One day at the sweet age of 4 and a half, his life and our life changed forever. After two different diagnoses and two years of intractable epilepsy we were given the tragic news that Daniel had developed a terminal brain tumour. In February 2014, my husband and I brought Daniel home to New Zealand to spend some quality time with his grandparents and experience the life of a Kiwi child as I had known. Sadly Daniel’s health declined quickly and he wasn’t able to return to his beloved Africa – nor see his father who had returned to South Africa for work commitments. Daniel passed away on 22 May 2014. I am sharing with you my dedication to Daniel that I read at his memorial service in South Africa. Daniel gave so much. His story was like a whirlwind – it picked people up and took them along on his journey. Daniel gave me the strength and courage - he never gave up. He taught me about unconditional love – all those beautiful hugs and kisses and daily “I love you mum” that I miss so much. Daniel showed me the beauty of humanity – he showed me how good people really are. He gave me lots of grey hairs! Daniel gave me ‘The Famous Five’ and ‘The Secret Seven’ – I’ve never seen so many 10 Sharing • Child Cancer Foundation Daniel gave me camping on Poppa’s back lawn – 4˚c temperatures two nights in a row. We ran across the frosty deck at 6am laughing, to go and sit by the fire to warm ourselves. It was worth the sleepless night. Daniel gave me New Zealand’s beautiful autumn leaves, the frosty mornings, blue skies and bird song. He gave me the beauty of a grandparents’ love, and the haunting beauty of their tenderness and sorrow at their loss. He gave me the beautiful night sky, the Evening Star and the breath-taking Milky Way. Daniel gave me the strength to stand up and tell his story – I owe it to him. Daniel, my boy, you are the gentle breeze rustling the leaves in the trees. You are the sound of the happy banter of the monkey’s play fighting in your special Monkey Den. You are the autumn leaves drifting silently to the ground, and the steam rising off the grass as the morning sun rises on a frosty morning. You are the first night star shining so bright and beautiful. You are the Milky Way. Daniel – you are following the sun. Be free my Angel and know that I love you to the moon and stars and beyond. I am proud of you my boy and lucky to be your mum. Daniel’s death leaves me with such a deep sadness that will never leave me. I keep daily reminders of him around me – his gumboots at the back door, his raincoat on the rack, his clothes and toys in the cupboards and of course the pictures of his beautiful cheeky face that adorn the walls. There is a Facebook page that was dedicated to Daniel to keep his friends informed of his adventures in New Zealand which I still post pictures and events on: www.facebook.com/pages/ DanielsAdventures/618461654855593 Please feel free to visit the site. Sheena Camp Remembering those we love who continue to live on in our hearts... Madie Stella Taylor Gino Carroll Born: 31 July, 2007 Passing date: 22 March, 2014 Born: 14 March, 2002 Passing date: 14 October, 2013 Our darling beautiful Madie. We still can’t believe you’re not with us anymore - but we hold you so close in our hearts every moment of every single day. From the fateful day in June last year, when our world collapsed to now is still such a blur. Gino was a boy who loved his rugby he would play in a team called College Old Boys or COB for short and he played it at home every day even if it was raining, he also liked to play it on Xbox. We all miss your wonderful girly-ness and pinkness and creativity. We miss your funny sense of humour and your incredible strength and acceptance and Dad and I try and be like you so often now when we still struggle through hard times. We think of your amazing strength through your treatment and operations such hard dark days for you - when things feel tough. We all treasure our memories of the wonderful times away with you and know you watch over us still. You were such a ray of lightness and sparkle in every day - and so quickly made a place in everyone’s hearts. While we miss you so much, we know we were so, so lucky to have you for the time we did. In October 14th St Joseph’s School will have a bench made in memory of Gino from when he went there. You have a new beginning Madie - and while our hearts break to see you go ahead, we know you will find your own way. You were our beautiful, amazing daughter and sister and are still our joy and our pride. All our love forever, Mummy, Daddy, Louis and Arlo (and Milly and Mittens who are so grown up now!) Time for me to leave you, I won’t say goodbye; Look for me in rainbows, high up in the sky. In the evening sunset, when all the world is through, just look for me and love me, and I’ll be close to you. Gino’s Siblings (Lawrence, Mere and Riana) all miss their little brother Gino. We all miss him, Riana always remembers when she and Gino went to school together and had lots of arguments and had lots of laughs on the way. Riana feels like an only child without him there. She is always thinking of him and remembers all the memories they shared together. We loved watching him play rugby but now he’s gone. Dad’s heartbroken because of his loss. Mum had a special bond with Gino who was called ‘Mummy’s boy’ he loved being with mum 24/7. Gino loved seeing his friends and visiting their houses. He got trophies six years in a row. Riana: My family and my Nanny and Papa are always thinking of Gino very much, Gino had a brain tumour. All the family, cousin, nanny, papa supported Gino. I remember Gino was little - around two and a half or three years old, his father (Kevin) brought his friends over to watch the All Blacks - all his friends were shouting ‘Go the All Blacks!’ Gino would watch Dad and his friends shouting! He would hold the rugby ball while watching the rugby. I remember him watching the All Blacks he was very interested. Gino was 5yrs old when he started playing rugby for COB under 5s, we didn’t know Gino was really good at rugby. Alisha Bellward Born: 21 April, 1997 Passing date: 3 June, 2013 Your life was a blessing Your memory a treasure You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. always in our hearts our darling, Mum, Dad, Chelsea and Jacob. When he was ten years old he received a Big Award! We were very proud of him. Gino loved going to school at St Joseph’s School and he still missed Bunnythorpe School where all his good friends were. He was very happy at St Joseph’s School in Feilding and eventually made some more great friends there. Gino was determined to be at school early he would say ‘8 o’clock no later’ because he wanted to have more time to play with his friends. Child Cancer Foundation • Sharing 11 Remembrances continued... Samuel Joe Nalder Toby Mackay Davis Chantae Michelle Heremaia Born: 27 September, 2011 Passing date: 21 June, 2012 Born: 22 August, 2007 Passing date: 3 December, 2011 Two years ago we had to say goodbye to our precious, gorgeous, giggly, snuggly little boy…. We would give anything to have you back home with us, back in our arms, and back getting up to mischief with your sisters. A part of all of us is missing forever x We love you Sam, we’ll always, always love you, Mum, Dad, Maia & Lily xxx Toby, once again your birthday passes with only the memories you left us and the wondering of how you might have been as an active seven year old. As we look at the photos and other memorabilia, there is a huge sadness but also a huge fondness for the wee guy we miss so much. Just recently we took Ailsa on a roadie of your haunts and showed her where her big brother lived and grew to provide us with the memories. She took her first helicopter ride to see where your ashes rest and we hope to get her up there again in the future because our love for you and appreciation of how you touched us will not diminish. Chantae was 14yrs old when she went to heaven. Chantae has been in heaven now for two years. It was hepatocellular cancer that had the final blow. We found out seven months before she passed on that she had this disease, it has been very hard as we have a big family of five children, the youngest being six years. Chantae has a beautiful spirit and an amazing heart, it has been the valley I have ever had to face, this has opened my eyes and my heart to others facing the same storm. We are so happy we will see her again one day in heaven. As we love Jesus and know he is taking good care of Chantae, we also know she is in a very peaceful place with no pain. She is looking forward to seeing us all! I’ll be your legacy I’ll be your voice You live on in me So I’ve made the choice To honour your life By living again I love you I’ll miss you I’ll see you again.. (Written by Alan Pederson) Love you always and look to the sky each night to thank you for being and making our lives more full. Jess, Ailsa, Rod Chace Eriki Topperwien Born: 17 March, 2009 Passing date: 15 June, 2012 Kristin Monique Osborne Zoe Michelle Wilson Born: 18 May, 1998 Passing date: 17 July, 2006 Born: 4 April, 2006 Passing date: 29 September, 2012 Eight years may have gone but our ears miss your voice, our arms ache to hug you, our eyes miss your beautiful smile and our hearts miss your love. You were the brightest star in our lives, now you are the brightest star in Heaven and in our hearts. Loved and missed always and forever. Love Mum, Dad and whanau. Love Mum, Dad and Alecia What a lucky mummy and daddy we are to have a beautiful son like you Your compassion, your bravery your strength and your lovely nature too You teach us how to live life with compassion, love and grace We couldn’t be prouder of you darling our handsome hero, our beautiful Chace You now look down over all of us protecting and loving us from above Thank you for being our beautiful son Our darling bubba, you are our greatest love 12 Sharing • Child Cancer Foundation Remembering those we love who continue to live on in our hearts... We thought you’d be married and we’d dance too We thought you’d be a mother and we’d spoil you We thought you’d grow old, years beyond us two We thought we knew strength but not like you We thought we knew courage but you knew that too We thought we knew value but you surpassed that too We thought we knew time but you felt that too We thought we knew life but you taught us that too With your final last breath you left us on earth Irreplaceable memories and treasures of gold An amazing big sister, nurturing heart and deep soul Our precious proud daughter, just 7 years old Iris Maiata Pouao Born: 15 April, 2007 Passing date: 7 July, 2014 We thought we knew love and then we met you We thought we knew magic and then we held you We thought we knew tenderness and then we kissed you We thought we knew happiness and then we heard you We thought we knew amazement and then we watched you We promise to remember and celebrate you Just promise us back that you’ll do the same too We thought we knew heartache and then we lost you I love you round the solar system… We thought you’d go to Uni and we’d support you We thought you’d go flatting and we’d move you We thought you’d go travelling and we’d visit you XOX Darlene Tuiono (Muma), Tuaanu Pouao (Daddy), Tutavake Pouao (5 years old) XOX Forever our girl Forever your brother Forever your muma Forever your daddy A Child Loaned - Anonymous Jessica Ann Jones Finlee Johnson Born: 25 October, 1999 Passing date: 21 June, 2009 Born: 8 September, 1999 Passing date: 14 June, 2008 In loving memory of Jessica who passed away from a rare condition. Gorhams Disease is difficult to diagnose and was discovered at an advanced stage by the doctors at Starship Hospital. It is estimated that only 200 cases have been recorded worldwide and there were only three known cases in NZ at the time in 2009. Every day angel girl xxx Brave and beautiful Jessica succumbed to the disease suddenly. I will always be grateful for the love, care and support given to Jessica and I. My heartfelt gratitude to Starship Hospital and Child Cancer Foundation. My darling daughter, you are very much missed and will love you always. Mum xxx William (Will) Burnet Muir I'll lend you for a little time A child of Mine. "She said, "For you to love the while she lives And mourn for when she's dead." It may be six or seven years Or twenty-two or three But will you, til I call her back Take care of her for me? She'll bring her charms to gladden you And should her stay be brief, you'll have her lovely memories as solace for your grief. I fancied that I heard them say, "Dear Lord, they will be done, for all the joy thy child will bring, for the risk of grief we'll run. We'll love her while we may, and for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay. But should the angels call for her much sooner than we planned, we'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand." Born: 11 August, 2008 “Our bright and fun little boy, taken too soon, forever loved and forever missed.” Many thanks, Jeremy, Catherine, Eloise, Laura and Louis Muir Child Cancer Foundation • Sharing 13 Pete Pirie A special little man. Peter Pirie featured in Sharing Magazine in 2011 and was well-known and loved at the Child Cancer Foundation’s National Support Office and at Starship. Pete’s mum Bridget would like to share her thoughts. When Peter was first diagnosed with Leukaemia (A.L.L.) back in April 2007, it was all a bit of a shock. We didn’t know anything about blood counts or how to find our way around Starship. I remember those early clinic days, when steroidal Pete would be crying continuously - there was no way that I could talk to other parents, or hardly even cope at all. But at least his Leukaemia had a good prognosis. We knew that we just had to get through treatment and then we would be able to get back to a normal life. Over the first three years, we got used to Starship and the way that things worked. We made friends with other hospital parents, got well-versed in blood results and we eagerly counted down the days till Pete could finish treatment. Unfortunately though, Leukaemia wasn’t finished with Pete; and he relapsed in his bone marrow, five months off treatment. This was when life really got interesting. Peter had to start a whole new protocol, which made his first treatment seem like a walk in the park. We were given the choice of not fighting. But that was never going to be an option for us. We would give anything to keep our dear wee, mischievous boy with us. Pete nearly died in his second round of relapse chemo; but finally his poor, ravaged body started healing and he moved back onto a maintenance treatment. Pete could go back to school and life became a lot more normal. But every so often, a lumbar puncture would show that blasts (cancer cells) were in Pete’s spinal fluid, and our hopes would be dashed once again. Eventually, we were told that there wasn’t a cure for Pete. I couldn’t give up, desperately searching overseas for clinical trials that we could try to get Pete on. I eventually found one in Philadelphia which I thought could save Pete, as it was using a whole new kind of treatment, immunotherapy. But we couldn’t get Pete accepted onto the trial. It was incredibly frustrating. In the end I was just hoping for time, so that the trial could progress and eventually come to Australia or New Zealand. But time eventually ran out for Pete, when he relapsed in his bone marrow, once again, on Mother’s Day this year. Things went downhill crazily-fast from that time. We tried chemo, but Pete ended up with sepsis and in PICU on a breathing tube. We slowly realised that chemo just wasn’t an option. Pete’s body was wearing out, after over seven years of chemo, even though he still had his huge fighting spirit. This was one little boy who didn’t have time for pain or sadness. He just wanted to get out there, have fun, and keep living life to the full. Peter died at home, on July 11th, surrounded by his family and closest friends. He died as he had lived, not willing to give up and desperately wanting to stay alive till the very last second. He had so much strength and perseverance. It’s funny... after he died, I heard that many of my extended family were relieved that Pete was finally dead, and that his suffering was over. I thought they meant the suffering of his last few weeks. But no, they had meant the last few years. They obviously didn’t know Pete, as he was a little boy who adored his life so much. He loved Starship. He was always so excited to dress up and go to clinic, and see all the nurses and doctors. He loved going to theatre and seeing all the staff down there. Sure he had some bad times, but when I think of Pete, I think of him laughing and happy - making the most of every second. So, thank you to Starship for giving us our little boy for seven extra years. I know that it doesn’t seem long enough now, when we miss him so incredibly much, but we truly are grateful for the first-class care he received. We are also so grateful to the Child Cancer Foundation for all the amazing support that we have had. Especially to our Family Support Worker, Mary, who always had time to come and read books to Pete, spend time with us and make us feel special. In amongst our grief, we know that we all have been so well cared for. Thank you. 14 Sharing • Child Cancer Foundation Play: THE ADVENTURES OF AI and help support the Child Cancer Foundation The Child Cancer Foundation is the chosen New Zealand charity for Ai’s Adventures’ World Charity Cup – a free to download, fast-paced game for iOs or Android. The Adventures of Ai project was developed by US best-selling author Craig Bouchard and, along with the online game, features a children’s novel and music. The project is child-safe and friendly and includes some wonderful life lessons about history, mathematics, art, music and poetry. In the game, players get to run, fly, duck and jump along with Ai through a cool maze of challenging obstacles on her journey across a 3D Japanese landscape. The World Charity Cup is designed to promote the game and encourage children to compete against children from other countries to raise funds for 20 charities around the world. Scores are recorded on the Adventures of Ai website for the benefit of their country’s total score. Ten percent of net revenues from the associated book and music earned in each country during the competition will be donated to the participating charities within that country. In addition, ten percent of the global revenue during the competition will be donated to the charities in the country that records the highest average player scores. So, each time a New Zealand child plays the game after registering; his or her points will be credited to the Child Cancer Foundation. Download the game for free at: www.adventuresofai.com Child Cancer Foundation • Sharing 15 Health Professionals' Update Dr Andrew Wood After spending seven years living in Philadelphia, USA, I recently returned home to Auckland to start working as a paediatric oncologist at Starship and a researcher at the University of Auckland. And I must say, it’s absolutely lovely being home. One of the initial impetuses for my Philadelphia adventure was hearing a leading American paediatric oncologist give a talk in New Zealand. The Child Cancer Foundation helped fund the conference where he was the key-note speaker, and I was so impressed that I decided I wanted to spend more time around people like him. So, with the critical assistance of a Child Cancer Foundation health professional grant-in-aid I went off to Philadelphia. While there I did a mixture of clinical work and research in the laboratory. Arriving in Philadelphia is like walking into an All Black dressing room. First, there were almost 60 consultants focused on just cancer and blood, many were eminent, and people who used to be strangers giving lectures at the front of auditoriums became colleagues and friends. The highlights of my time in Philadelphia included two projects that touched both of the major revolutions that are slowly taking place in oncology. The first was the discovery of various new mutations in cancer using next-generation sequencing and working with pharmaceutical companies to test new drugs to target these mutations in the laboratory and with clinical trials. The second was seeing a new form of immunotherapy called “CART19” introduced. With this therapy researchers remove immune cells from somebody with a certain type of Leukaemia or Lymphoma. Then they make the immune cells clever by genetically manipulating them so they vigorously attack the Leukaemia. After growing the cells in the lab they then return them new and improved back to patients. In both cases, new mutations targeted by new drugs and the CART19 therapy, I was lucky enough to see cancers respond in cases where families had no other hope. It was quite extraordinary and left a profound impression. I also had first-hand experience about how these “breakthroughs” happen. They are not sudden. These discoveries can burst on to the scene, but they are typically based on decades of research. Usually, the research road is not a straight line from scientific discovery to medical innovation. Instead there are twists and turns and quirky insights from research 16 Sharing • Child Cancer Foundation where no clinical benefit to patients was ever really imagined. It’s a bit like assembling a 10,000 piece jig-saw puzzle but with a big disadvantage…researchers don’t know what the final picture will look like and need to use creativity to imagine the solution. Otherwise, it can be hard to assemble all pieces together in the middle of the puzzle even if the edges and corners are in place. There are also thousands and thousands of failures that are needed to develop successful new treatments. It reminds me of the Thomas Edison quote: “I have not failed 10,000 times. I have not failed once. I have succeeding in proving that those 10,000 ways will not work. When I have eliminated the ways that will not work, I will find the way that will work.” All this work takes big complex international teams with lots of funding, and the research funding and motivation has to persist through 10,000 failures and that is understandably challenging. Science is much more expensive than most people realise. Though I have seen this excitement, I am all too aware that a huge amount of work needs to be done to extend these benefits to all children and adolescents with cancer. From my clinical work I am reminded everyday that the pace of advance is way too slow, and that we need to fast forward how advances are made. Now that I am at the University of Auckland, I am going to do research into different genetic types of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in collaboration with colleagues in the USA. The next-generation sequencing of cancer has produced catalogues of mutations – the spelling mistakes in DNA that accumulate to cause cancer. However, we don’t know what most of these mutations mean and how they change the circuitry of the cells. My research aims to understand what these mutations are doing to the cell machinery with the ultimate goal of discovering vulnerabilities that we might someday exploit with new treatments. It is an exciting time. And the Child Cancer Foundation's support of my career helped make it happen. Health Professionals' Update Children's Oncology Group Children’s Oncology Group (COG), the major collaborative North American child cancer study group, held its annual open meeting in Dallas 16-19 September. Both children’s cancer treatment centres in NZ (Christchurch and Auckland) are members of COG and enrol children on to COG clinical trials. Health professionals from both centres were able to attend COG, with funding from the Child Cancer Foundation. Dr Andrew Wood kindly shares with us the following report from the conference. Therefore, the addition of a targeted agent may add only a little toxicity, “but it might be the proverbial straw that leads to a tragic outcome.” So the question can be asked: what is the best way to add new drugs to existing therapy? COG recently published the results of AAML0531 that enrolled paediatric Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) patients from 2006 to 2010. The major objective of the study was to test an antibody drug conjugate called gemtuzumab to see if it improved survival. The study showed that gemtuzumab decreased Leukaemia deaths, but this benefit was largely offset by an increase in death from drug side effects. One possible answer is to remove or lower the dose of the chemotherapy agent that is believed to have the least efficacy. In AML, analysis of multiple trials suggests etoposide is the least active agent that we use in current therapy. Therefore, a new trial for paediatric AML will re-test the addition of gemtuzumab, but patients will not receive etoposide. The moral of the story is that taking away a minimally effective drug may be the best way to give a new agent the chance to shine. This highlights a problem that many of our protocols already give as much chemotherapy as a child or adolescent can tolerate. Health professionals are extremely grateful to the Child Cancer Foundation for having the opportunity to attend this conference. Christmas Gifting With the assistance of Grizzly Digital, Child Ambassadors Lauren, Quinn and Jayme have helped us put together an interactive donation website for Christmas! Whether you’re a company stuck for an idea for client gifts, an individual not sure about a Secret Santa pressie or just sick of buying gift vouchers or socks for your family – we have the perfect gift that is personal, meaningful and will touch hearts! Make an online donation to the Child Cancer Foundation on behalf of your staff, valued clients, family or friends by simply choosing a particular item off our “wishlist”. Whether it’s a Christmas hamper or a grocery voucher, the recipient will love knowing that they’ve helped bring smiles to child cancer families all over the country. Courage comes in many forms. See what it means to our brave Child Ambassadors this Christmas and Lauren will tell you personally what it means to her. So, what are you waiting for? Start ticking off your Christmas list at: www.childcancerappeal.org.nz Special thank you to the team at Grizzly Digital for all their support of this campaign. Child Cancer Foundation • Sharing 17 Regional News Young film-maker's moving tribute When Hunter Williams first read about Quinn Hautapu’s battle with cancer he knew he wanted to capture her quest on film. The inspirational result, Quinn’s Quest, follows Quinn’s battle with cancer, and her desire to make a difference in the lives of other children with cancer by becoming an ambassador for the Child Cancer Foundation. Hunter (15) first read about Quinn on her Facebook page and her story resonated with the Auckland secondary school student. “It really seemed like a story that could touch the hearts of a lot of people. Quinn has gone through so much and yet she also gives back so much,” says Hunter. “The documentary features interviews with both Quinn and her mum. It focuses on Quinn inspiring other young Kiwi kids who are going through cancer through her work with the Child Cancer Foundation.” Hunter has entered his film into two national film-making competitions and shared it on social media achieving nearly 1000 views on YouTube. Check out Hunter's film on the Child Cancer Foundation Facebook page. Good luck Hunter! Hunter, with his sister Felicity, and Quinn during filming. A freezer full of frozen meals - helping to feed parents at Starship A freezer full of frozen meals is helping to feed the parents of children receiving cancer treatment in Starship. The Child Cancer Foundation was aware that many parents were either going without meals or snacking on their child’s dinner leftovers, as children under the age of 14 are not allowed to be left alone when in hospital. Family Support Coordinators thought that a freezer full of meals would be a big help for parents. An approach was made to White Refrigeration, who came to the rescue donating a double-door vertical freezer unit. “White Refrigeration is very pleased to be helping support the families of the child cancer ward,” says Annemarie Begg from White Refrigeration. The unit is situated on Ward 27b (Paediatric oncology) of Starship Hospital. The freezer is now stocked with healthy and delicious meals thanks to Child Cancer Foundation business partner, Cardinal Logistics, who have funded the project for 12 months. More than 200 meals are provided every month, allowing each parent with a child on Ward 26 or 27 or in-clinic to one meal per day. always looked for practical areas in which to channel the funds we have raised. To support the parents and caregivers in this meaningful way at such a difficult time was a simple decision for the trust to make.” Child Cancer Foundation National Manager Member Services Marie Purcell says with the average length of stay in the Ward being six weeks, some parents were very isolated and their food options limited. “Many of the families on the wards are also from outside of Auckland, so they are in an unfamiliar city unsure how or where to buy food off-site and with no friends and family to bring them dinners,” says Marie. “It’s really important that we make sure the caregiver’s nutritional needs are being met. They are putting all their energy into the well-being of their child, so it is imperative that they stay well and healthy.” Feedback from parents has been really positive saying it makes a real difference to the on-the-ward experience. Cardinal General Manager – Sales Mike Guy says of the project, “During the 16 years of partnering with the Child Cancer Foundation, we have been very specific and A unique toy is helping Bay of Plenty children with a rare cancer to New Zealand. The tool? A cuddly elephant named Elli. Elli has a removable eye and was specifically designed to help small children come to grips with the trauma of losing an eye to Retinoblastoma cancer. Child Cancer Foundation Business Development Manager, Delwynne Hahunga’s family hosted an exchange student from Germany that lead to a unique therapeutic tool making its way 18 Sharing • Child Cancer Foundation “As it turned out our exchange student’s mother also works for a child cancer charity – the Kinder Augen Krebs Stiftung or Children’s Eye Cancer Foundation in Germany," says Delwynne. "Part of her work includes providing children with a cuddly Elli toy – the removable eye helps children become brave enough to remove their own prosthetic eye.” A care package containing three Elli toys arrived from Germany for the Child Cancer Foundation to distribute to local children. “Barbara Richardson, our Child Cancer Foundation Family Support Coordinator for the Rotorua area, gave one of the toys to Kimberly (pictured), a young girl from Turangi battling cancer. Her mum told us that Elli has played a big part in helping Kimberly become brave enough to remove her own eye. More Elli toys have recently arrived from Germany. Talk to your Family Support Coordinator to find out more. An update from our Partners Long-standing support from Professionals The organisation was also instrumental in negotiating the sale of these properties. Over its long association with the Child Cancer Foundation, Professionals Real Estate Group has raised more than $4 million for the charity. The Child Cancer Foundation would like to thank The total amount raised over 20 years was everyone in Professionals Real Estate Group for announced at a Professionals Group International their continued enthusiasm and commitment in Conference fundraising dinner in September, which helping children with cancer and their families. was attended by more than 100 members from New Zealand and Australia. Professionals began their association with the Child Cancer Foundation in 1994, when a child known to one of the group’s agents was going through cancer treatment and he saw the support given to the family by the Foundation. Since then, the relationship has seen Professionals’ agents make a contribution to the Child Cancer Foundation from house sale commissions, be actively involved in street collections and organise other fundraising events. Professionals’ fundraising effort has contributed to the purchase of our two holiday homes as well as the National Support Office in Auckland. Partnering with you for a better community Significant donations from The Warehouse customers throughout the Waikato have supported a range of Child Cancer Foundation services. Each store raised money through three “add-adollar” campaigns, where team members asked customers at the checkout whether they would like to add a dollar to their total purchase in support of a charity. The Warehouse Regional Manager Anthony Coe says the Warehouse is committed to supporting families and young people. better community Professionals Chief Executive Mike Henderson hands over a $4 million cheque to Robyn Kiddle, Chief Executive, Child Cancer Foundation. The amount represents the contribution that Professionals has made to the Foundation over two decades. The Warehouse raises over $91,000 The 11 Warehouse stores, from throughout the Waikato, have been fundraising for the Foundation since August last year, raising more than $91,000 over this time. Partnering with you for a Professionals Chief Executive Mike Henderson says, “You just need to hear the journey from parents to recognise the unbelievable support the Child Cancer Foundation provides families affected by child cancer.” “Through our partnership with the Child Cancer Foundation, we are really happy to assist with providing practical and essential services, which make such a difference to the children and their families in our region.” The money raised has helped the Child Cancer Foundation provide a range of services including its essential care packs, which are given to families at the time of their child’s diagnosis with cancer, necessities such as grocery or petrol vouchers and supported family and sibling camps. The support of The Warehouse management, staff and customers has made a real difference in the lives of families supported by the Child Cancer Foundation during such a stressful time and we are most grateful to everyone involved. Warehouse Stationery The Child Cancer Foundation has formed a regional partnership with 11 Warehouse Stationery stores spanning Auckland, Taranaki and the Coromandel. The teams in each store ran a two-week, add-a-dollar campaign in August and also sold bead badges at point of sale in-between campaign times – raising $12,279 in total. Before the campaign began, Child Cancer Foundation team members visited stores to meet staff and tell them about the charity’s work. The money raised is going towards supplying start-up Beads of Courage® and Sibling Bead packs to families. Many thanks to Warehouse Stationery staff and customers. Child Cancer Foundation • Sharing 19 Huge thanks to all our partners, we couldn’t do it without you! Premier PA RT N E R Leading PA RT N E R S Partnering with you for a Major better PA RT N E R S community Partners FOUNDATIONS & TRUSTS Every child and their family walking the child cancer journey will never feel alone. National SUPPORT Office PHONE 0800 4 CHILD 76 Grafton Road Grafton, Auckland 1010 PHONE (09) 366-1270 (0800 4 24453) EMAIL info@childcancer.org.nz WEB www.childcancer.org.nz ChildCancerFoundationNZ ChildCancerNZ ChildCancerFoundation ISSN 0114-7765 Bluesky Community Trust, Constellation Communities Trust, Community Trust of Mid & South Canterbury, Eastern and Central Community Trust, Endeavour Community Foundation, First Light Community Foundation, Four Winds Foundation, H & K Reynolds Charitable Trust, James Russell Lewis Trust proudly managed by Perpetual Guardian, Joyce Fisher Charitable Trust, Kathleen Dorothy Kirkby Charitable Trust, Mana Community Grants Foundation, Margaret & James Tetley Charitable Trust (managed by Public Trust), Mt Wellington Foundation, NR Thomson Charitable Trust, North and South Trust Limited, Phoenix Club of Auckland, RG Bell Charitable Trust, Taupo District Council, Trust Waikato.