Helpful Hana

In August 2007 Hana Ellis-Kaa was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia and has undergone 26 months of treatment. Read about her cancer journey

In August 2007 Hana’s parents were concerned with her limping for no apparent reason. She was referred by her doctor to Starship Children’s Hospital, and the results from a blood test helped to diagnose her with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL).

After two and a half years of treatment Hana finished treatment in October 2009 and has experienced side effects from the chemotherapy. She suffered several seizures while she was on treatment, which her oncologists believe were a result of the chemotherapy. Three MRI scans showed that there was some abnormal activity occurring in Hana’s brain. This has affected her learning and behaviour, though it would be hard to detect from meeting her.

On the Beads of Courage programme Hana has received 824 beads which show the amount of procedures and treatments she has endured over 26 months of treatment.

Hana has been strong throughout the various procedures she has had to undergo, though the weight of the number of beads on her necklace is proving to be unbearable for the six year old to wear all at one time. Her mother, Ngarino Ellis, is planning on having the beads framed so Hana can reflect back on the journey she has been through.

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