Yahoo Lifestyle
Heartbreaking reason young girl will miss first day of school
For many four-year-olds, the thought of starting kindergarten brings a mix of excitement and nerves.
But for young Maddie Reedy, excitement quickly turned to devastation when, just 10 days before Christmas, her family learned her leukaemia had relapsed.
First diagnosed with childhood leukaemia in 2019, Maddie entered remission in November 2021. Her mum, Rebecca Seigel, remembers the heartbreak of first learning of Maddie’s diagnosis.
“I still remember to this day hearing the words, ‘we are certain she has leukaemia’," Rebecca tells Yahoo Lifestyle.
"It was like the wind had swept me off my feet. Having to relay the bad news to Maddie’s dad and siblings was just as difficult.”
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The family was ecstatic when, in November 2021, Maddie entered remission.
“It was like a weight had been lifted,” Rebecca says. “But, unfortunately, only a month later we received the news she had relapsed and had to start treatment all over again.
“This time around has definitely been more difficult, as we now know what the road ahead is like.”
Fortnightly chemotherapy treatment hits pause on starting school
Despite her excitement to start kindy, Maddie requires fortnightly chemotherapy treatment and, with the constant threat of COVID, her family decided to delay her kindy start until next year.
“Maddie was very excited to start kindergarten this year with a few of her friends from preschool, but we know it's in her best interest to delay it until next year, when she will be fit and healthy," Rebecca says.
"We can't wait for that moment.”
Help through the heartbreak
Rebecca is thankful for the amazing support from family and friends, which has helped the family to get through this difficult journey.
"They have been there every step of the way, helping with anything that we needed," she says.
"Also, the amazing doctors and nurses who make the hospital feel as comfortable as possible.”
Rebecca also praises The Supertee hospital gowns for making treatment just a little easier.
Supertee makes functional hospital gowns designed to make it easier for nurses to carry out checks and treatment, support parents to help their child with clothing changes, and to encourage children who are sick to access strength through imagining they are a superhero.
Mum's message to other families facing childhood cancer
Rebecca says it's important to accept help during the journey, and reach out to other people going through a similar situation.
“Allow family and friends to help as much as they can, even if it's something as little as cooking you a hot meal. It all helps in the long run,” Rebecca says.
“Reach out to other families going through the same thing. I found this very helpful.
"They can understand what you and your family are going through.”
"Maddie looks forward to turning five soon and to starting kindergarten next year."
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