We thought it might be some kind of virus, but then they told us she had Leukaemia
She was a bright, bubbly, fun loving little 3 year old, doted on by her brother and sister and adored by her mum and dad. When she complained about having a sore tummy, they put it down to too much excitement, but then when she seemed to be getting sick all the time and was constantly tired and pale with unexplained fevers, her parents began to fear it might be something more serious.
Their lives were turned upside down and their worst possible fears realised after a visit to the doctor and blood tests saw Isla sent directly to the Royal Children’s Hospital in an ambulance/patient transport for immediate treatment.
Nothing could have prepare Andrew and Leanne for being told their vivacious, lively little girl had Pre B acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. For Isla, the prognosis is relatively good, the vast majority of children diagnoses with Pre B acute lymphoblastic Leukaemia under the age of 14 will survive, but there is a long and difficult road ahead. Her treatment and recovery plan extends over 30 months of treatment.
Isla’s mum, Leanne has had to give up her job to be with Isla full time as she endures blood and platelet transfusions, lumbar punctures, the retrieval of bone marrow and so many other painful and invasive medical treatments. It breaks Leanne and Andrew’s hearts to see their baby go through these procedures, even though they know it’s necessary on the long road to recovery. Isla’s dad, Andrew is looking after Isla’s brother and sister, as well as trying to be there to support Isla and Leanne as much as he can.
One of the biggest stressors for Andrew and Leanne has been staying on top of household chores, and with their baby enduring treatment that leaves her little immune system severely compromised, having a clean environment to bring her home is critical.
Health Assist is supporting Isla and her family by providing financial assistance for the family to have a cleaner in prior to when Isla returns home.
“It’s critical that Isla has an environment that is free from germs before we can bring her home, as the treatment she has to endure and will continue to endure over the next 30 months decreases her little immune system. Knowing we will be bringing her home to a clean house may not seem like much, but it’s a huge assistance for us.” Leanne said.
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia can happen in people of all ages, but is most common in kids ages 2 to 5. Early symptoms in children can include being very tired, getting more infections than usual, lose of appetite and bleeding or bruising more easily than usual. Other symptoms can include belly ache and joint pains, limping, pale skin, fevers, swollen lymph nodes and red or purple spots called petechiae on the skin.
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Health Assist Limited is a registered Australian charity and public benevolent institution dedicated to helping sick Aussies and their families in times of need.
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