For Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we are sharing the story from a family we have the privilege of supporting.
Eliza was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just eight weeks old and Mum Hannah has kindly shared the difference Spread a Smile has made to her family – whilst Eliza was in hospital and after she sadly passed away in February 2023.
“We met Spread a Smile one Thursday on our first visit to GOSH. It was an awful time as we didn’t know what was wrong with Eliza to start with and we were stuck in a hospital room, worrying and not knowing anyone to talk to. And then one of the Spread a Smile entertainers came in with her guitar and sang for us. Eliza was transfixed and it was so, so wonderful to see.
Throughout Eliza’s treatment, Spread a Smile invited Hannah and her family to join us for our family events, providing an opportunity for them to spend time quality time together having fun. Hannah, husband Mark and their sons joined us for a special trip to the cinema along with some of the other families we support.
“The boys had never felt so special, and we were welcomed with open arms, treated to food, treats and entertainment before sitting down to watch the film together.
“Eliza died unexpectedly a few weeks later from a liver disease caused by the chemo. We went home and started to navigate life again after loss. And then in March 2024, Spread a Smile invited us to a Memorial Event to remember children who had passed away and it was such a lovely thing to do.”
We are so grateful to Hannah and her family and you can read the full story here.
