HELP FAMILIES GO FROM HEARTBREAK TO HOPE

When childhood cancer strikes, it feels like the world stops, but life carries on.

It is no difference for Stephanie when she was told her three-year-old son Archie had leukaemia. In that moment, she said, “Everything just stopped. Everything.” 

Archie is the youngest of Stephanie and Ryan’s three boys. He’s adored by his big brothers, 7-year-old Hugo and 9-year-old Theo. The family used to spend lots of time together. 

Then Archie got sick. Stephanie returned again and again to the emergency room – determined to find why her little boy was so pale and tired.

The answer was a parent’s nightmare: Archie had acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). He needed chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. 

“It was horrible,” Stephanie says. “Non-stop.”

Chemotherapy depleted Archie’s immune system until his little body was so ravaged by infection he had to go on life support.  Because this all happened during COVID-19 lockdown, Stephanie and Ryan weren’t allowed in the hospital together.  

Stephanie stopped work to be by her sick son’s side. She felt like a bad mother to her other boys, who she says, “pretty much lost me overnight.”  

Ryan had to give up his job so he could look after Hugo and Theo. Stephanie and Ryan could barely afford fuel for the daily commute to see Archie in hospital. At times, they struggled to buy essentials for their other two boys – who were scared and confused and just wanted their mum and brother home.  

At Redkite, we see this all the time. While one child is fighting for their life, the rest of the family suffers too. 

Will you please donate to help turn heartbreak into hope for families facing childhood cancer?

Stephanie’s first lifeline was a Redkite Diagnosis Support Pack (Red Bag). It was filled with practical items like toiletries, a charger and a water bottle – all the little things Stephanie needed in hospital but hadn’t had the time or headspace to pack.

Generosity from supporters also brought the family fuel and grocery vouchers and relief for some bills – so they could focus on their sick child without such financial distress.  

A Redkite Social Worker also helped Stephanie cope with her feelings of overwhelm and guilt – and her terror that Archie would die. 

 It’s now two years since Archie’s cancer diagnosis. He’s back home after a successful bone marrow transplant, and back to his boisterous, charming self. Archie still needs regular checkups and treatments, and the family still needs support. But they made it through the worst time of their lives – thanks to the incredible support of Redkite’s donors.

Sadly, another three families will hear the devastating words, “your child has cancer” today.

Please join us at Redkite, to turn their heartbreak into hope. Your tax-deductible gift will bring them the support they need to stay strong.