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Eva Slays the Leukemia Dragon

  • Sweet dreams Eva

      12 November 2021
    Posted by: Sharlene and Robin Sallabanks
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    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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  • Two months to a few days

      2 November 2021
    Posted by: Sharlene and Robin Sallabanks
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    After our region returned to level 2, we took a motorhome holiday to Kaikoura and looked for elusive whales on a helicopter ride. Thank you to the Huljich Foundation for helping us with a memory making grant. Eva's highlight was toasting marshmallows on a bonfire.

    We had another short trip to Twizel for fishing and family time. Upon return, Eva finally got her ears pierced and had a belated birthday party at clip n climb.

    In the past two weeks her health has significantly declined and we have been managing her symptoms - persistent fevers and pain- as the cancer cells grow quickly. We are now having times at Hospice and are nearing the end of our fight against the dragon. We are so very sad to see less and less of our girl's happy demeanor as we increase pain medication to keep her comfortable. She managed to trick or treat for halloween, not an easy feat when you are feeling poorly.

    Thank you for all of your support. We have been able to have so much more time with Eva than if we had been working. Eva and her brother have had lots of treats and experiences - memories to last forever.

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  • Heartbreak

      31 August 2021
    Posted by: Sharlene and Robin Sallabanks
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    Last week we received the news we really hoped we'd never hear. The chemotherapy didn't work and there are no further curative options for Eva.

    We have come home and Eva is thrilled after 9 weeks confined to the CHOC ward. She is still neutropenic but level 4 lockdown provides a little protection.

    We have not told her we aren't going to Starship or that the has months to live, at best.

    We are so heartbroken and it is hard to fathom what is to come. Once the South Island gets to level two (please) we will work to make all of Eva's dreams come true and create precious memories.

    Thank you for all of your support!

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  • Just keep swimming

      4 August 2021
    Posted by: Sharlene and Robin Sallabanks

    It has been 40 days since the beginning of this round of chemotherapy. Eva has not been outdoors in all of this time.

    Whilst trying to keep Eva happy in a boring situation, she developed appendicitis. She had surgery a week ago, with no infection-fighting white blood cells to protect her, and is recovering well.

    We still wait for her bone marrow to recover and the all important news of if the chemo worked to get a 2nd bone marrow transplant. It's an anxious time. THANK YOU for every kind word and dollar. You are awesome!

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  • Let's do this!

      26 June 2021
    Posted by: Sharlene and Robin Sallabanks
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    This week Eva started her last cycle of chemotherapy. This is the one that has to work! Eva needs a 2nd bone marrow transplant but her body needs to have pretty much no leukemia cells remaining for a new immune system to have the best chance of curing her.

    She has been unwell with a common cold virus, hard to kick when your immune system has been stomped on.

    She is now an Inpatient, and for the foreseeable future will remain in protective isolation in her hospital room.

    We thank you all for keeping Eva in your thoughts and prayers and for continually supporting our family. We love reading your messages of support, even if we can't respond to them all. Your generosity means Robin can stop working for a while and concentrate on family.

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