Two little girls taking on blood cancer and inspiring their community
Amelia and Abigale are two little girls from St. John’s, Newfoundland who are both battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Amelia, age 5, was diagnosed in 2018 and Abigale, age 6, was diagnosed in May 2020.
Our cancer journey started Canada day weekend of 2018 when I noticed our toddler, Amelia, limping during a camping trip. We went to Emerge where we were shocked to hear our daughter likely had cancer and sure enough, they soon confirmed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. – Veronica, Amelia’s Mom
[We] brought her to the hospital first because she was complaining of blurred vision and became very hysterical. It was confirmed that Abi has ALL-blood cancer. She has been extraordinarily strong throughout her course of treatment thus far. – Staci, Abigale’s Mom
Both girls have taken on the challenge of treatment with bravery and the support of their families.
In typical Newfoundland fashion, the community has also come together to rally around the girls.
When your child is ill, you remember the people and organizations who rise up to support you in your time of need. I have to say, we have a fabulous network of friends and family who stepped in to help! – Veronica, Amelia’s Mom
In return both girls have been committed to giving back to their communities.
Amelia and her family have been actively involved with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Candlelighters, and with Canadian Blood Services.
We want everyone in need to have access to the care and resources we have been so lucky to receive. That is why it is important to us to give back to these groups as much as we can and raise awareness for their missions. We now walk in Light the Night annually to raise funds and awareness of blood cancer research and all the patient programs that the LLSC provides! – Veronica, Amelia’s Mom
Like Amelia, Abigale has also teamed up with Canadian Blood Services and took part in this year’s Light The Night virtual event.
For her birthday in June, she requested (instead of gifts or treats) that people would donate blood in her honour for everyone in the same position as her. There have been several fundraisers put together to help her family out during this difficult time, to which they are extremely grateful for and have been trying to pay it forward little by little. Right now, Abigale is in the middle of putting together her own fundraiser for Light the Night walk hosted by LLSC. – Staci, Abigale’s Mom
Both girls have worked hard to not only raise awareness of blood cancers, but also to raise funds for support programs and cancer research for other young patients.
Amelia completed her treatment in September and will finally get to ring that bell!
Abigale won’t be far behind as she is scheduled to complete her treatment next year.
