While 14-year-old Andrew does his homework in his bedroom, his little sister Maddison, 11, has a permanent chair beside him, soaking up every moment she can with him.
As they share jokes and chat about their day, these small, everyday moments bring Maddison a sense of normalcy and comfort as she navigates her ongoing cancer treatment.
At just 4 years old, Maddison was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Her diagnosis set her on a challenging seven-year treatment journey, which included 20 surgeries.
Despite the overwhelming fear and uncertainty, Maddison’s strength, resilience, and the unwavering love she shares with her family – especially her older brother – have been her guiding light.
It all began with leg pain and an inability to hold down food.
But it wasn’t until Maddison’s mother recalls that she refused to let her brother near her that they knew something was seriously wrong.
This sudden change in behaviour led to urgent tests, and Maddison was flown from Bundaberg to Brisbane for diagnosis and treatment.
Maddison’s battle with cancer wasn’t just about enduring physical pain; it was about coping with the emotional toll of being separated from her family.
During her treatment, when she learned that Andrew wouldn’t be able to join her, she was devastated.
“I was scared and worried I wouldn’t see my brother again. He’s my best friend, and being away from him was the hardest part of everything.
But I kept thinking, ‘I’m going to see him again, I’m going to make it,’” Maddison recalls.
Throughout Maddison’s long and often frightening treatment journey, Childhood Cancer Support provided her and her family with a place to stay.
The charity’s accommodation gave them not only a roof over their heads but also a source of comfort and hope during such a trying time.
“Childhood Cancer Support felt like a home away from home,” says Maddison.
“We had a space where my brother could be with me. We decorated it for Christmas, and that made me feel like I was still with my family, at home.”
Without Childhood Cancer Support, Maddison says that her time away from her brother would have been unbearable.
“If we didn’t have Childhood Cancer Support, I wouldn’t have been able to be close to my brother. I’d be miserable and wouldn’t be able to cope,” she says.
“Being around people and having that comfort really helped distract me from the scariness of my surgeries.”
Through it all, Maddison’s resilience has been her greatest teacher, showing her just how strong and courageous she truly is.
“I’ve learned that I’m a very resilient person,” she says, a proud smile on her face.
Maddison’s dream is to stay connected with the friends she made at Childhood Cancer Support, cherishing the memories of the people who made her feel safe and comfortable during such a difficult time.
“I want everyone to know that Childhood Cancer Support is a place where you can feel comfortable, where you’re not alone. It’s a home away from home, and you’re with your family, being yourself,” Maddison shares.
Childhood Cancer Support provides vital accommodation and support services to families like Maddison’s, ensuring they can stay close to the hospital with family during long-term cancer treatment.
With increasing demand from regional Queensland families, Childhood Cancer Support is currently raising funds to build an additional 15 units near the hospital, providing more than 5,000 additional nights of accommodation.
To make a difference in the lives of regional families, donations can be made at ccs.org.au.
