Ringing in the end of cancer treatment
Today (Friday 13 October), eight-year-old Emily Oltean celebrated finishing her cancer treatment by ringing the bell at Newham Hospital.
Emily, who was just six when she was diagnosed with B cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL), has been cared for by the team on Rainbow Ward, Newham Hospital’s children’s ward during her two-year cancer journey.
From receiving chemotherapy to being cared for when she had a high temperature, Emily and her family spent a lot of time on the ward, forming lasting relationships with staff. Today, they got together once again for a very special event to mark the end of Emily’s and other children’s cancer treatment.
“It’s always an amazing event,” explains Hamera Elahi, play specialist on Rainbow Ward who, together with the paediatric oncology team organises the celebration. “To see these children, who have been through so much, finish their treatment with a smile on their face is amazing. I feel so lucky to be able to celebrate this incredible milestone with them.”
Emily attended the event with her mum Mihaela, dad Cosmin and her sister as well as her aunt, uncle and cousin. She was joined by Buster (nine), Aasiyah (three), Yousuf (four) and Maham (nine) who were also there to celebrate the end of their treatment.
“She’s an inspiration,” says mum Mihaela. “After she was diagnosed and when she was going through treatment, Emily used to always say to me ‘it’s going to be ok mummy’. She has taught me so much over the last two years, like how to be strong, how to have hope and how to keep smiling. I’m so proud of her and it’s amazing to have the end of her treatment marked in such a special way.”
As well as ringing the bell, the children were treated to a party with fun, food and games, and had the chance to catch up with staff on the ward.
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