Ada’s world changed overnight when, at just 5 years old, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. What followed were more than two years of chemotherapy, transfusions, painful procedures, and countless moments of fear. Yet through it all, Ada showed incredible strength—always smiling, dancing, and inspiring everyone around her.

In March 2025, she rang the bell to mark the end of her treatment, stepping into a new chapter filled with school, laughter, and the joy of dance. Ada’s journey is a reminder of courage, resilience, and the hope every child with cancer deserves.
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Ada’s Bravery: Overcoming Childhood Leukaemia

Ada was just 5 years old when her life, and that of her family, was suddenly and dramatically changed. In February 2023, what began as a few worrying symptoms—bruising on her arms and legs, persistent headaches, sore legs, and frequent nausea—escalated into a medical emergency. Her family noticed the extent of the bruising one Friday morning and immediately took her for a blood test. That same evening, their GP delivered the heartbreaking news: Ada had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), a type of childhood blood cancer. The doctor advised them to head straight to the oncology ward at Sheffield, where Ada’s treatment would begin immediately. For her parents, Kim and her partner, those hours were filled with fear, shock, and an overwhelming sense of uncertainty.

From that day onward, Ada’s life revolved around treatment, hospital visits, and medical procedures. She became a patient in the ALL-together 1 trial, a study designed to provide children with the most effective, up-to-date care. Over the course of two years and one month, Ada underwent intensive frontline and maintenance chemotherapy. Each session brought challenges—long hours in hospital, side effects that tested her tiny body, and the emotional toll of living with a serious illness.

In addition to chemotherapy, Ada needed an operation to insert a portacath, a device that allowed for safe administration of medications and fluids directly into her bloodstream. Countless blood and platelet transfusions became a part of her routine, helping her body cope with the effects of treatment. She also underwent multiple steroid courses, which, while essential, brought their own side effects and changes to her young body. Routine lumbar punctures were performed under general anaesthetic, procedures that were necessary but undoubtedly frightening for a child so young.

Through all of this, Ada’s attitude was nothing short of remarkable. Despite the pain, discomfort, and uncertainty she faced daily, she remained a happy, kind, and determined little girl. Her positivity uplifted her family and the medical team alike. Even during the most challenging moments, she found ways to smile, laugh, and connect with those around her. Her courage was a constant source of inspiration for everyone who met her.

Kim recalls the many moments that could have felt hopeless but were transformed into small victories. Every successful round of chemotherapy, every transfusion that stabilized her blood counts, and every procedure she faced with courage became milestones in Ada’s journey. The family learned to cherish even the smallest moments: a day with no hospital visits, a particularly joyful laugh, or the ability to play with her siblings without interruption. These moments, once taken for granted, became precious reminders of life beyond cancer.

In March 2025, after more than two years of intense treatment, Ada reached a milestone every young cancer patient dreams of: she finished her treatment. The moment she rang the bell at the hospital was symbolic, representing not only the end of a long and grueling medical journey but also a celebration of resilience, hope, and life. Friends and family gathered to celebrate, turning a clinical space into a scene of joy, laughter, and love. For Ada, it was more than a ritual—it was a public recognition of her bravery and the strength she had shown throughout her ordeal.

Since completing treatment, Ada has returned to a full and active life. She is back at school full-time, engaging with her classmates and embracing the routines of childhood she had missed for so long. She has also returned to her dance classes, twirling and leaping with the exuberance and joy that only a child can truly express. Her dance, full of energy and grace, is a testament to her vitality and determination—a symbol of how far she has come. Friends and family affectionately refer to her as a “dancing queen,” a fitting tribute to the joy and spirit she radiates.

For Kim, Ada’s journey has been a lesson in courage, resilience, and the transformative power of positivity. “Ada has amazed us every single day with her bravery and joy,” she says. “She has shown us what true strength looks like, and we couldn’t be prouder of our little hero.” Her words capture not only a parent’s pride but also the profound admiration that Ada inspires in all who have witnessed her journey.

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Ada’s story is more than a personal narrative—it is a shining example of the challenges children with cancer face and the incredible bravery they display. It highlights the role of modern medicine, clinical trials, and dedicated healthcare teams in supporting children through life-threatening illnesses. At the same time, it celebrates the emotional resilience of families who navigate these challenges, often balancing hope and fear in equal measure.

As part of the Go Gold campaign for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Ada’s story is shared to honor her bravery and to raise awareness of the experiences of children fighting cancer. It reminds the world of the resilience of young patients, the importance of support networks, and the role of research and treatment advancements in giving children like Ada a chance to thrive.

Today, Ada continues to grow, learn, and enjoy life. Her family celebrates each milestone, whether academic, social, or physical, as a victory over the disease that threatened her childhood. She is proof that with courage, support, and perseverance, children can not only survive but flourish after a diagnosis of cancer.

Ada’s journey is a testament to hope, resilience, and the enduring power of a positive spirit. She reminds us that even the youngest among us can demonstrate extraordinary strength and that life after cancer, while different, can be filled with joy, growth, and opportunity. Her story inspires families, healthcare professionals, and communities alike, serving as a beacon of courage and a celebration of life. 💛