In November 2015, six-year-old Violet’s life changed forever. A bright, energetic girl who loved school, friends, and play, she began experiencing tummy upsets and aches. For months, her symptoms were dismissed as growing pains, nothing that could have prepared her family for the devastating news to come. An ultrasound revealed a tumour the size of a fist near her left kidney. The diagnosis was Stage 4 neuroblastoma, and the cancer had already spread throughout her body—into her skull, jaw, spine, legs, and bone marrow. “No wonder she felt sick,” her father, Craig, reflected, the words carrying the weight of fear, disbelief, and heartbreak that gripped the family.
Violet’s journey began in a hospital filled with the quiet hum of medical equipment and the anxious energy of parents bracing for the worst. Her treatments were immediate and intense. Within two weeks of admission, her leg pain had become so severe she could not walk. Seven rounds of chemotherapy followed, accompanied by a nine-hour surgery to remove most of the tumour and her left kidney. Radiation therapy and immunotherapy completed a grueling schedule of treatments designed to fight a relentless disease. Her parents, Craig and Colleen, juggled hospital visits with school drop-offs for Violet’s siblings, sleepless nights, and the daily demands of hospital life. “It’s like having a newborn baby again—the nappy changes, the sleeplessness, the bad dreams,” Colleen recalls.
Life at home became unrecognizable. Violet’s appetite disappeared under the weight of chemotherapy, leaving her reliant on tube feeding. Ordinary family routines—dinners, playtime, and school activities—gave way to endless medical appointments, monitoring, and care. Craig took extended leave from work, while Colleen put her studies on hold. Every day became a balancing act between survival and the attempt to preserve what remained of Violet’s childhood. “Life is very different; it’s all about survival. We will do anything we need to, to help our precious daughter get better,” Craig explains.
Despite the physical and emotional toll, Violet’s spirit shone through. She took up roller-skating and reveled in every small moment of joy she could find. Even in hospital rooms, Violet laughed, played, and expressed her curious nature. Colleen and Craig dedicated themselves to creating moments of happiness, allowing Violet to experience as much of a normal childhood as possible amid the chaos of treatment. Each smile, each playful moment, became a victory in a life overshadowed by illness. After two years of treatment, Violet was finally able to return to school, reclaiming fragments of the life cancer had interrupted. “Cancer may have stolen a good chunk of Violet’s childhood, but it has not taken her spirit,” Colleen says.
But the reprieve was brief. Not long after completing her treatment, Violet’s cancer returned. The relapse was aggressive, more resistant to conventional therapies, and devastating for her family. Once again, hospital visits, chemotherapy, and uncertainty dominated daily life. Despite the physical challenges, Violet’s courage never faltered. Music became a source of joy and distraction; she engaged nurses and family in singing, dancing, and rapping, transforming moments of fear into laughter and light. Her resilience inspired everyone around her, showing that even in the darkest times, the human spirit can shine.
Even as her illness progressed, Violet found ways to give back. She handcrafted crocheted pocket elephants and sold them online, raising funds for childhood cancer research. Her selflessness and determination ensured that her story would have lasting impact, helping other children who might face the same battle. “The research Children’s Cancer Institute is doing will make a real difference. One day, they will bring us a cure. We need to get behind them and support them,” Colleen says. Violet’s actions demonstrated that courage and compassion can extend far beyond one individual, influencing a wider community and fostering hope for future generations.
In October 2021, Violet passed away surrounded by the love of her family. Even in her final months, she displayed a spirit that refused to be dimmed. Her laughter, creativity, and determination to help others left a lasting impression on everyone she met. The family recalls her ingenuity and kindness, knowing that Violet’s legacy would continue through advocacy, research, and the inspiration she provided.
Violet’s journey illustrates the harsh realities of childhood cancer—the physical suffering, the emotional toll on families, and the relentless uncertainty of relapses. Yet it also highlights the power of courage, love, and human resilience. Her story is not just about survival or loss; it is about how a child can transform even the darkest circumstances into moments of joy, teaching those around her about the value of life, the importance of empathy, and the strength found in hope.
Through it all, Violet’s family remained steadfast. Craig and Colleen devoted themselves to her care, ensuring she experienced moments of normalcy, happiness, and play whenever possible. Their unwavering support, combined with the tireless work of medical professionals and the promise of research, provided Violet with opportunities to live fully despite her illness.
Violet’s legacy is both emotional and enduring. She leaves behind a blueprint for courage in the face of adversity, the importance of giving back, and the reminder that even the smallest moments—a song, a handcrafted gift, a smile—can resonate far beyond the immediate struggles of life. She demonstrated that while disease can challenge the body, it cannot quench the spirit.
Her story serves as a powerful call to action: to support childhood cancer research, to advocate for children in treatment, and to recognize the bravery of young warriors like Violet. Every life saved, every treatment advanced, and every family comforted is part of the path she inspired. Violet may have been taken too soon, but her impact endures, a testament to courage, love, and hope.
