Spiderman Sophie
Sophie was diagnosed with cancer at only 12 months old. Her right eye had started to wander and Mum Julia knew there was something not quite right so consulted her doctor – her intuition proved correct. The change to Sophie’s eye was a tumour pushing against it.
“Even though I suspected there was something wrong, to hear those words just makes you go still. Nothing can prepare you for it. You never want your child to have to face this.”
Sophie was diagnosed with a cancer called Neurofibromatosis and was immediately admitted to hospital. Thanks to the generous donations of New Zealanders a Child Cancer Foundation Family Support Coordinator was able to be there for Sophie and her parents, and help ease the burden.
Julia explains the difference it made to have someone to talk to and share worries with: “Words fail me at how much we appreciated this support at such a time. We had a young child and everything was so daunting. Our Family Support Coordinator was always, and still is, there for us.”
Due to the position of the tumour behind Sophie’s eye, the decision was made not to operate. Rounds of chemotherapy helped shrink the tumour and removed the pressure from her eye. Sophie still has six-monthly MRI scans and appointments to monitor her condition, but to-date the chemotherapy has been a success.
"Sophie has been incredible throughout this time. She is so resilient and bounces back from whatever life throws at her."
Sophie is now five and along with her fellow superheroes, rules her local preschool and is looking forward to starting school this year.
How you can help
The Child Cancer Foundation is a nationwide organisation that works hard to reduce the impact of cancer. A donation from you will help us provide the support families need from that terrible time of diagnosis, throughout treatment and beyond.
Our support is powered by you.