When parents Laurie and Craig found out their daughter Ruby had cancer, one of the hardest parts was explaining it to their six-year-old daughter.
“She was sitting on my lap and I remember her looking up at me saying, ‘Mummy, is this worse than when I knocked my teeth out?’ And honestly, I don't know how I responded.”
It was during the COVID-19 lockdown that Ruby’s parents noticed she had started complaining of constant aches and pains. Around New Year’s Eve, her condition worsened quickly and they took her to hospital.
Ruby was diagnosed with T-cell leukaemia. Her parents were suddenly faced with the reality of what treatment would involve over the next two years.
“I was thinking, what does he mean two years?” Craig said. “We didn't have that understanding that she was going to have chemotherapy, lumbar punctures, bone marrow tests and countless blood tests. I was in shock.’’
For Craig, hearing the news was overwhelming.
“Ruby was like – ‘Daddy, why are you crying?’ Because the stress of the situation and not really knowing what it meant for her – it was just an unbelievable moment in our lives.’’
Despite the challenges, Ruby came through treatment extremely well and is now a strong and healthy 11-year-old in remission.
When Ruby’s family were asked if they would donate her blood and bone marrow to research, the answer was simple.
“For us, it was just a no-brainer to say yes,’’ Craig said. “Anything we can do to help find a future cure for this horrible disease is something we wanted to be a part of.”
While Ruby’s family are deeply grateful for the outcome they’ve had, they know not every family is as lucky. That’s why research means so much.
“If you can find the answer to why it happens, you can stop it happening,” Laurie said. “I really would love to see in my lifetime a cure for leukaemia.’’
You can help give kids like Ruby hope for a brighter future.
Donate now and help fund the research that could lead to better treatments and cures for children like Ruby.
