Webster's Journey
Webster Roebeck is a tough young man who has tried his hardest to always keep a brave face throughout his cancer treatment.
Webster was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in March last year. According to his mum, Susana, he has always tried to be strong, no matter what treatment or procedure he was undergoing. Webster has never complained and he has made us so proud,” she says.
He’s said to me so many times during this journey, ‘Mum, I’ll be strong for you‘.
Diagnosis
Webster’s cancer journey began after he suddenly broke out in a rash and his stomach became swollen.
“Webster was in the bath and he pointed out that his tummy was big, then came the rash. We rushed him to the doctors, where he had blood tests.”
That evening the family got the phone call from their doctor asking them to take five-year-old Webster to Wellington Hospital straight away, as the specialist wanted to see him.
"The specialist told us that the results of the tests were not good and that he had some sad news for us. All I could think was what had we done wrong for this to happen to Webster,” says Susana.
The specialist tried to reassure me, by saying a cancer diagnosis is no one’s fault, it just happens in the body’s cells.”
CCF's support
That day, Susanna and Webster were flown to Christchurch Hospital for treatment, leaving behind his dad and five siblings, the youngest who was only three.
“I remember asking how long we would be at hospital for, and being told probably overnight, so I didn’t pack anything. We didn't return home for seven weeks“.
Susana Roebeck
“It was hard for all of us to be separated. Webster missed his Dad, brothers and sister so much, but he tried so hard to remain his bubbly, happy self throughout his treatment.”
Susana says the family were very grateful to the support of Child Cancer Foundation right from the start, especially when it helped keep the family connected by flying down her youngest child, who was missing his mum.
“For me, the Child Cancer Foundation has helped us in so many different ways. Our Family Support Coordinator is so lovely and always there for us to talk to. The help with travel and other costs has been really great.”
The road ahead
Webster continues to travel to Christchurch for his treatment needs as well as attend clinic at Wellington Hospital, where he has made friends with all who assist him.
After a bout of shingles during the winter, he was admitted to hospital for two weeks, which delayed his treatment
“It’s been a tough road, and we are so looking forward to his end of treatment in a couple of years. Webster’s Beads of Courage® are very important to him, and the whole family. They are a symbol of everything we have been through.”
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.
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