Amy and Ezri

Parent and Survivor

At the tender age of two-and-a-half, Ezri was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). She often fell sick, and despite going to many clinics, doctors were unable to figure out what was wrong. It was not until they rushed Ezri to the Children’s Emergency centre at the National University Hospital that the doctors suspected she had leukemia, following a blood test.

	Amy (left) and Ezri (right) during treatment in 2016

“We never expected our child would have cancer and it happened to Ezri. We just had to accept it,” says Amy, Ezri’s mum. The entire family bravely faced the treatment journey that followed. “During the treatment, we didn’t have time to lament or think, ‘Why did this happen to our family? It’s not fair,’ because everything happened to suddenly. The treatments were urgent and intensive. We just did what we had to do, however, we received a lot of support and care from the medical staff, family, and friends. We were not alone and that is something I really appreciate.”

Cancer can be challenging for the entire family

Throughout Ezri's journey, the family faced many challenges. A child with cancer requires extra attention and care, with restrictions in diet, cleanliness, and more. With Ezri's immunity compromised, the family also had to be extra careful not to get sick. A mild infection could cause a cancer patient to be admitted to the hospital. This was the case when Amy came down with shingles due to stress as a caregiver, and led to Ezri developing chickenpox, complicating her cancer treatment. 

It was also equally hard for Ivee, Ezri’s twin sister. During the course of Ezri’s treatment, Ivee was sent to stay with her grandmother for a few months. With all the focus on Ezri and being sent away to live separately from the family, it would have been difficult for a two-year old child, who probably felt lost and unloved. 

But now, the family has since reunited and is closer than ever. “We cherish each other more than before,” says Amy.

It’s such a joy to see her go to school, make new friends, see her smile, and behave like a normal kid. Being normal is a joy in life.

“After the treatment, we received a lot of support from all sources. We brought her to different events organised by VIVA and other charities. We were able to meet other people, who have helped put all the dark negative thinking behind us through jokes and positive energy. It has helped Ezri from being a very quiet, shy girl, to a lively bubbly girl. I’m really grateful for the support not just for Ezri, but for the whole family.”

For cancer survivors, normal is a joy

Ivee (left) and Ezri (right) today

Recently, both Ezri and Ivee have gone to school--a big milestone for them both. “It’s such a joy to see her go to school, make new friends, see her smile, and behave like a normal kid,” says Amy. “Being normal is a joy in life. This journey has made me cherish the time spent with the family. Finally, we are able to go back to a normal life, one that is precious and privileged."

Watch the video to learn more about Ezri’s story.

It takes a community to support a cancer patient throughout the course of treatment and recovery. From fellow families, doctors, nurses, scientists, educators, nutritionists, therapists, to kind-hearted donors and organisations, facing cancer need not mean facing it alone. 

During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September, we will be sharing a series of Survivor Stories—stories of strength, full of love, and filled with hope for the future. Donate to VIVA and help us rewrite the future of children with cancer.