At the age of nine, Charli was vibrant and full of energy — outgoing, active, and adventurous. She enjoyed walking and cycling with her friends, and her family cherished her lively, positive spirit. However, in 2020, after six weeks of COVID-19 lockdown, she began to exhibit concerning symptoms. Fatigue, swollen glands, and lethargy led her mother, Faye, to seek medical advice. Initially diagnosed with a minor infection and treated with antibiotics, Charli showed no signs of improvement. Worried, Faye insisted on blood tests, hoping for some reassurance.
That evening, while watching a movie with her husband, Will, Faye received a call that would alter their lives forever. “All I remember hearing was that it was pathology about Charli’s blood test and the word leukaemia… go to Wollongong Hospital immediately,” she recalls. The shock and fear were instantaneous. What had appeared to be a minor illness was, in reality, life-threatening.
After several hours at the hospital, Charli was moved to Sydney Children’s Hospital. By Monday, she received a conclusive diagnosis: acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). “I kept asking if there was any chance this isn’t leukaemia,” Faye shares. Deep down, she suspected it was, but the confirmation brought a heavy burden — months of treatment, uncertainty, and fear lay ahead.
Treatment commenced immediately, but COVID-19 restrictions complicated matters further. Faye and Will often found themselves apart, relying on text messages to manage care while alternating hospital shifts. Within the first month, Charli’s health worsened, resulting in a 34-day hospital stay during which she suffered from severe drug-induced hallucinations. Tests for meningitis and encephalitis added to the family’s anxiety. “It’s incredibly hard to see your child in such distress, and it’s utterly exhausting,” Faye recalls.
Even after returning home, Charli’s journey was far from over. High fevers and complications led to frequent hospital visits, creating a relentless cycle of inpatient and home care that consumed the family’s life for over a year. “We spent easily a year doing that, because she was just in and out of hospital the whole time,” Faye explains. The intensity of treatment, coupled with toxic side effects, rendered daily life nearly impossible.
Charli faced debilitating side effects, including mucositis that made swallowing painful, pancreatitis, liver failure, and avascular necrosis of her right hip, which confined her to a wheelchair for months. Simple tasks became traumatic; even the drive to the hospital triggered fear and anxiety. “Everything, including the drive to hospital, became difficult,” Faye states. The physical toll was matched by emotional strain — Charli’s mental health and resilience were constantly challenged.
After finishing treatment in May 2022, Charli’s battle continues. Chronic pain restricts her ability to engage in play, exercise, or activities she once enjoyed. The family also keeps a close watch for long-term effects, including potential fertility issues and ongoing mental health challenges. Faye reflects on the harsh reality of childhood cancer: “Most people think it’s just chemotherapy and hair loss, but the treatment and recovery can be even more debilitating.”
Despite the challenges, Charli’s story is also one of bravery, determination, and hope. Her parents are dedicated to advocating for her and for other children facing similar struggles. They stress the necessity for better, less toxic treatments that can provide children like Charli a chance to recover fully without enduring years of suffering. “I don’t want other children to go through what Charli has gone through,” Faye asserts. “We need to invest in the things that are going to make a difference.”
Charli’s journey is a testament to resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. It highlights the physical, emotional, and mental toll of childhood leukaemia — not only on the child but on the entire family. It also underscores the urgent need for continued research and improved therapies, so future children can confront cancer with hope instead of prolonged suffering.
Through pain, fear, and uncertainty, Charli remains strong. Her smile, determination, and spirit inspire everyone around her. Her story serves as a reminder that childhood cancer is not just a battle for survival but a fight for normalcy, joy, and the possibility of a future where children can simply be children again.
