Eva Slays the Leukemia Dragon

$33,835 donated
Given by 143 generous donors in around 7 months

Eva had leukemia. Eva has leukemia. One word changes this sentence. One test changes your life. One phone call shatters everything.

Canterbury

Eva had leukemia.

Eva has leukemia.

And we are devastated.

Eva (now aged 6) was 5 years old when diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia on Thursday 7th November 2019.

She had 3 rounds of chemotherapy at Christchurch Hospital with the leukemia proving to be very stubborn, never getting into remission. Despite this, her bone marrow transplant (BMT/SCT) was approved and on the 19th of March 2020 Eva received the transplant at Starship hospital in Auckland. New Zealand was in a lockdown due to COVID19 so Robin, and little brother William relocated to Auckland so the family could be together. 8 weeks later they flew back home to Springston in Christchurch.

It was a tough road, but the bone marrow transplant was working, and on 20th July 2020 friends and family gathered at the CHOC ward in Christchurch Hospital to watch Eva ring the end of treatment bell! It was a wonderful sight with many tears shed.

The past 9 months, it's been a joy to watch Eva grow and be a kid again. Returning to school, regrowinghair, sleepovers with friends, camping, swimming in the school pool, laughing - just being a Kiwi kid.

Last week, their lives turned upside down again, when a routine blood test detected leukemia once again. We are beyond devastated for the Sallabanks family.

She will return to Christchurch Hospital to restart chemotherapy, and hopefully have a second bone marrow transplant approved at Starship Hospital. The first time was hard and this time will be harder.

William is due to start school at the end of May, and Robin will need to go to reduced hours at work. Not having to worry about the financial side of life was a huge relief for the family during Eva's treatment the first time around.

Let's rally behind Eva and give her family the financial support they need while they fight this leukemia.

We are here to be their village through this battle, for as long as it takes.

The money will be used to assist the family with extra costs they will have over the next few months. For example, petrol costs, household costs, child care for little brother William, loss of income, and all additional costs that will come with Eva receiving treatment in hospital, full-time with a parent.

You can follow their ups and downs: https://www.facebook.com/Eva-Slays-the-Leukemia-Dragon-109759613809404/

Their previous page on Givealittle: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/eva-slays-the-leukemia-dragon

Rachel Rolton's involvement (page creator)

Friend of Sharlene and Robin

Use of funds

Funds will go to support Eva and her family towards any costs associated with treatment.

Other page links

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Latest update

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Sweet dreams Eva  12 November 2021

Posted by: Sharlene and Robin Sallabanks

On Sunday the 7th of November, exactly 2 years since we were told Eva had Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Eva passed away in her sleep. She was brave and strong to the end.

Our love for her is immeasurable and it seems impossible to face a world without her.

She taught us how to be courageous and also to find the good in each day.

Not seeing her smiley eyes each day, feel her warm little hand in ours, missing her sweet voice - it doesn't feel real.

Sweet dreams Eva. We will see you in ours.

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Latest donations

Private Donor
Private Donor on 14 Nov 2021
Just thinking about you guys … take care
$200
Ashling
Ashling on 11 Nov 2021
Sending love and strength to you
$500
Team ARL
Team ARL on 10 Nov 2021
You are all in our thoughts.....
$1,800
Leeann
Leeann on 03 Nov 2021
Sending so much love to you all at this time. Eva you are simply the bravest little girl I've ever known of.
$50
John
John on 02 Nov 2021
Hi Eva I am Ruby’s grandad I am old you are young I should be sick not you One day when the pain has gone away Ruby and your friends will meet and play And the sun will shine on you It will feel good Like a smile Like all the new lambs this evening Dancing on the piece of plywood In the paddock Did you smile when you went up In the helicopter I am not brave in helicopters Ruby tells me you are brave I bet your mum and dad are so proud of you To help you And love you as mum and dads do I hear you are in a wheelchair I bet you can go faster Than my old legs But more important Give mum and dad and your brothers A big hug I think you deserve it Lotsa love Ruby’s grandad X Hope this is not too over the top sally, have met Eva a couple times at school / play school thru ruby Romano. I’m in the N I.
$30

Who's involved?

Rachel Rolton's avatar
Created by Rachel Rolton
Sharlene and Robin Sallabanks's avatar
Paying to a verified bank account of Sharlene and Robin Sallabanks
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This campaign started on 5 May 2021 and ended on 4 Dec 2021.