A brave young Bundaberg girl who is fighting cancer is now the local face of Woolworths Easter Fundraising Appeal, which is raising funds for Bundaberg Hospital.
Arianna’s mum, Bonnie, noticed she had a few small bruises, a fever, and was feeling lethargic, and so Bonnie took her to the local emergency department.
Following blood tests, her parents received the news she likely had leukaemia.
Arianna and her family were flown to Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane a few days later and spent two weeks in hospital to start her chemotherapy treatment.
During the nine months in and out of Queensland Children’s Hospital receiving treatment for the cancer, Arianna faced several infections and severe side effects.
Thankfully, she is now in maintenance chemotherapy stage, meaning she can receive her monthly intravenous chemotherapy at Bundaberg Base Hospital.
She is due to finish her chemotherapy in August 2021 and Bonnie says she’s thrilled to be back at home.
“She’s really happy to be home with all her stuff, and her hair has grown back meaning we can now put it in tiny little pig tails – she was so happy about that,” Bonnie said.
“She has a lot of strength again now and plays just like she always had.”
Arianna and her family are now sharing their story as the official Bundaberg ambassador of Woolworths’ Easter Fundraising Appeal, to encourage locals to donate to the cause in support of the Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Since 2016, Bundaberg Woolworths shoppers have raised more than $88,000 for Bundaberg Hospital through the annual campaign.
Children’s Hospital Foundation CEO Rosie Simpson said that it’s thanks to the Woolworths teams and their customers generosity that the Foundation can help Queensland’s sickest kids.
“Money raised through this campaign enables us to fund vital medical research, life-saving medical equipment, and patient and family-support services at Bundaberg Base Hospital for sick kids and their families,” Ms Simpson said.
“It’s amazing what a community can do when they come together, and a simple $2 donation during a shop in-store or online at Woolworths can make the most incredible, resounding impact on a family who are going through an incredibly tough time, or a kid who is facing the fight for their life.”
“We continue to be humbled by the kindness and ongoing support of our Queensland customers and the impact their donations can have on initiatives such as the Children’s Hospital Foundation,” Chris Peters, Woolworths General Manager Queensland said.
“The Easter Fundraising Appeal is a great example of how a little good can go a long way for those who need it most and make a real difference to the lives of hundreds of kids and their families, just like Arianna.”
Customers can support the Easter Fundraising Appeal by simply adding a $2 Easter egg shaped wall token to their shop, or make a donation in-store or online, from March 17 to April 6, 2021.
To learn more about Children’s Hospital Foundation visit www.childrens.org.au
