Back to page

Amelia's Cancer Crusade

  • Amelia's Givealittle Page Ends

      30 December 2017
    Main image

    As 2017 draws to an end, so too does this Givealittle page for Amelia. After nearly 2 years of treatment, Amelia has now finished and is a much happier and healthier young lady. When this page was started, we knew there was a long and hard road ahead, so it’s with much relief and happiness that we can now end the page on such positive news.

    Amelia’s final test results are looking encouraging, and this will be monitored over time moving forward. Amelia spent some time back at school towards the end of 2017, and will be returning there in 2018.

    Her Hickman line (permanently in place for testing/treatment) was removed in mid-December, which was another major milestone. This meant Amelia could now go swimming again too, which she did in the ocean on Christmas day with family.

    This is a special time of year to come together, and to be thankful for all that we have. Amelia’s recovery is the best possible outcome we could have hoped for, and shows her bravery and courage to get there. The family are very much aware of the challenges others are going through now, having met many other brave young battlers over the course of Amelia’s treatment. We wish them all the very best as well.

    We would like to thank everyone for their support and donations, and for helping Amelia throughout her journey. Thank you.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • End of Treatment!

      16 October 2017
    Main image

    Amelia has finished her Cancer treatment!

    End of treatment scans and tests are happening this week, which we hope will show no evidence of disease.

    Amelia has been gradually regaining her strength over the past couple of months, as she experiences more ups than downs. She had a little set back in September, being hospitalised with pneumonia, but has bounced back.

    On the last day of treatment, Amelia planted a tree to signify a new beginning, not only for Amelia but for the whole family. A magnolia was chosen to be bright, bold and beautiful, much like the future we wish for all of our children.

    The family is incredibly lucky to be where they are, for Amelia to have responded to treatment so well, and to have had such a friendly and professional medical team watching over her.

    They are extremely thankful to have so many friends, family members and kind strangers supporting them along the way, and to the higher powers that may have played a big part too.

    Amelia and her brother Travis now have a beautiful baby sister Eden, who joined them nearly 7 weeks early, during a hectic week in Auckland in August. Eden is best described as their ray of sunshine after the storm. It's crazy to think they began this journey fighting for one child's life, only to be blessed with another.

    Regardless of what the future may hold, they look forward to many happy family times ahead, and thank everyone for their support.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Update #5 - Immunotherapy

      29 May 2017
    Main image

    Apologies for the gap between updates, and a lot has happened since November, with Amelia finishing her Chemo and Radiation Treatment.

    Amelia enjoyed a long break at home with family over summer, which allowed Amelia’s body time to recover, her lungs to heal and her blood to improve. Hanging with family and friends certainly made a difference, because she no longer requires oxygen and has recovered enough to begin immunotherapy.

    It had been touch and go as to whether Amelia would be well enough to have immunotherapy, with two possible relapse scares and with a worldwide shortage of the drug. Fortunately though, Amelia fought hard and has now completed 2 out of 5 rounds of immunotherapy. As with all treatments the side effects aren't ideal, but in typical Amelia fashion she faces them with such courage and determination.

    A few highlights for Amelia in the past few months include:

    Fun times with family and friends, especially an impromptu camping trip to Napier.

    Meeting some of her Hurricanes and All Blacks rugby heroes - Nehe Milner-Skudder, Beauden Barrett and Cory Jane.

    And being the guest of honour at the amazing ‘Amelia's Family Fun Day’ - a fundraising event organised by the incredible local community.

    The overwhelming support from family, friends, strangers and the home town, continues to keep the family strong, as they begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The family wish to thank you all so very much.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Update #4 - Bone Marrow Transplants

      21 November 2016
    Main image

    Amelia has had a busy few months since the last update. Amelia recovered fairly well from her 1st Bone Marrow Transplant, and managed to enjoy a few weeks at home in September, before returning to Starship Hospital.

    Unfortunately Amelia encountered some hurdles during her 2nd Transplant, and spent a few weeks in intensive care with lung and heart issues.

    Being the fighter she is though, Amelia has fought her way back. Although she now requires the on going assistance of oxygen, Amelia has become strong enough to leave the Hospital.

    Amelia is currently at Ronald McDonald house in Auckland, and is almost half way through her Radiation Treatment phase. The family are hoping to enjoy some more time at home soon, before the Immunotherapy phase begins.

    Amelia’s parents Aaron & Jen, brother Travis, as well as the extended family, are all extremely grateful for the kind thoughts, prayers and generosity still being shown toward them as Amelia's journey continues. Thank you.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Update #3 - Tumour Surgery and Bone Marrow Transplant

      11 August 2016
    Main image

    It's been a very busy few months for Amelia, who had a long but successful surgery at the end of June, to remove her Tumour and affected Lymph Nodes. The pre Bone Marrow Transplant Scans showed no obvious signs of Neuroblastoma Tumours remaining, which is just the news we had all hoped to hear!

    Amelia has now completed her 6 rounds of Induction Chemo, and is currently in Starship Hospital having the first of two Autologous Bone Marrow Transplants. This phase involves weeks in isolation to prevent the risk of infection.

    Amelia has been through a lot already and has still months of treatment ahead. She is a very special girl who misses family and friends dearly.

    However knowing that her family have the moral support of so many (including people they don't know) has made it much easier to fight the good fight.

    Amelia’s family wish to thank you all for your generosity and support, and also offer a special thank you to those who have so kindly organised or helped with fundraisers.

    One day they hope to be able to pay it forward.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Update #2 - Chemo Round 5 Complete and MRI

      13 June 2016
    Main image

    Amelia has now finished her 5th round of Chemotherapy, and is spending a lot of time in Auckland at Starship and the Ronald McDonald Houses.

    Today Amelia is having an MRI scan to better understand the extent and complexity of “Boomer the Tumour”. Surgery to attempt to remove him will follow soon after this.

    Doctors have been trying to harvest Amelia’s Stem cells, which will be kept to be given back to Amelia after future Bone Marrow transplants.

    Amelia goes through cycles of having a very weak immune system, so there is a constant watch to make sure Amelia keeps as healthy as she can, to be in the best shape for what lies ahead.

    The whole family is very thankful for the continuing support, kind messages and positive thoughts shown by all.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • A Thank You Message and Update.

      28 April 2016
    Main image

    Today is Amelia’s 9th Birthday.

    Amelia enjoyed a good rest at home in Wanganui recently and celebrated with an early birthday party there with family & friends.

    The whole family are now back in Auckland and preparing to begin round 4 of Chemotherapy tomorrow.

    Yesterday they received some wonderful news: Amelia's scans show "Boomer the Tumour" has shrunk to half his original size, and the tumours in her neck have almost disappeared.

    It was the news everyone had been hoping to hear, and was celebrated by a visit to the Sky Tower & catching up with friends.

    This means Amelia is responding well to the treatment, and left her free today to enjoy her 9th birthday in style with a visit to Auckland zoo, and dinner with friends.

    Amelia’s parents Aaron and Jen would like to convey their sincerest thanks to all who have contributed to support Amelia.

    They have been overwhelmed by the responses to the Givealittle page, and want to say thank you so much for your support, best wishes and positive thoughts.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment