Heidi loves her cuddly bear and says a big thank you to everyone who donated to send bears to children with cancer, like her
Heidi was just three years old when she was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL one of the most common types of childhood cancer) in April 2022.
Her mum, Mellissa, noticed that after Heidi’s third birthday her daughter was constantly unwell. She was lethargic, refused to walk and would vomit. Her temperature kept spiking. Each time these symptoms were attributed to viral infections.
Heidi is being treated for cancer at The Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow
“One day Heidi became very jaundiced so I took her again to see our GP. We were told to go straight to hospital for blood tests. At our local hospital they took bloods and Heidi was taken by ambulance immediately to The Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, where she received an emergency blood transfusion.
“After various blood tests, another blood transfusion and a bone marrow biopsy, Heidi was finally diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. She started treatment straight away.
“When we received the news, our hearts sank and we were angry and terrified. But it was also a relief in a way to find out why Heidi was so sick all the time.
Heidi keeps smiling even when she’s staying in hospital
Mellissa describes Heidi, who has just turned five, as a “very creative girly girl, who loves make-up, drawing and dressing up. She also adores dogs and luckily her grandparents have three, which keep her busy on the days she gets to visit.”
An only child, Heidi is currently in the maintenance part of her treatment. This entails weekly visits to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, where she has blood tests and receives chemotherapy.
“We still have lots of in-patient stays when she is poorly, but Cancer Support UK’s kid’s cancer kit has helped greatly in keeping Heidi entertained. She loves to draw in the notebook from the kit and she is getting really good at doing tricks with the yoyo.
“The cosy Minion socks and the cuddly Warmies bear have been a real treat for when she is having a hospital stay, as they help to keep her nice and cosy.
Heidi is creative little girl, who loves make-up, drawing and dressing up
“We are very lucky to have a massive support system with all our family, friends and community always checking in with us.
“We just have to ride the waves of treatment and take each day as it comes. We try to look for a positive every day, even if it’s a bad day.
“For any parents or family affected by cancer, I want you to know, you are not alone, and that I am thinking of you.”
Help us restore smiles across the UK with a regular gift
Heidi and her family are so grateful for the comfort you have given her. Your donations helped send a Kids’ Kit and a Cuddles bear to Heidi when she most needed a morale boost. It’s been a tough journey for Heidi and it’s not all over yet, but your kindness at a difficult time, meant the world to her. We really appreciate all your support. However, in 2024, we need to send out even more cancer kits to children and adults going through cancer treatment. With a regular gift you could help us restore smiles across the UK – so please visit our donate page where you can find details on how to make a monthly donation. Thank you.
