Melissa was diagnosed with an Orbital Rhabdomyosarcoma last Summer and had nine cycles of chemotherapy as well as 25 sessions of proton therapy away from home in Germany.
Melissa had just rung the bell to celebrate finishing treatment when Covid-19 hit and lockdown happened. This meant that all of the things she’d been planning, that kept her going throughout treatment – like a sleepover with her friends, had to go on hold and she had to stay at home instead. She felt really isolated and missed seeing her friends and doing normal things once again, just as she had done all the way through treatment.
Melissa’s Mum said, “The Candlelighters sessions have been brilliant. She’s had so much fun doing crafts with Vicky and Emma. It helps her to feel really independent (she usually tells mum and dad to ‘go away’ as she can manage on her own!). She’s also been able to teach Vicky and Emma some crafts too, as well as seeing other children who understand what it’s like being in lockdown, especially when she went to the Virtual Patients Group. It’s been lovely seeing her smiling, confident and happy and proud of what she’s made!”
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