Bridget may only be 16 years old, but she has already fought and beaten cancer twice.
When she was just three years old, Bridget was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood. This diagnosis was just the start of her journey.
A journey of strength and survival
Bridget’s fight first began in 2012 when her parents received a call that a routine blood test following a persistent cough showed she had leukaemia.
She was rushed to what was then the Royal Children’s Hospital, where she underwent her first surgery, followed by four rounds of aggressive chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant and months in isolation.
Then, the news the family had been waiting for finally came – Bridget was in remission.
For a time, it seemed the worst was behind her. Bridget returned to school, celebrated her sixth birthday with friends and even took up dancing.
But in 2015, when Bridget was six years old, her cancer relapsed.
“We had to sit her down and say, ‘darling your leukaemia is back,” recalls mum, Leigh. “It was heartbreaking.”
The family relocated from their home in Boonah to be closer to the Queensland Children’s Hospital, while Bridget underwent more rounds of aggressive chemotherapy, a second bone marrow transplant and months of isolation and time in intensive care.
Finding light in the darkness
Throughout her treatment, the Children’s Hospital Foundation was a steady source of joy and comfort.
Programs like music therapy, art sessions, bravery beads and book bunker transformed Bridget’s hospital stays – lifting her spirits and helping her family find moments of calm in difficult times.
Music therapy was one of her favourites – bringing laughter and escape and allowing Bridget to focus on her creativity instead of treatment.
“The Foundation’s support created a community for Bridget, who loved visits from the green shirt volunteers bringing books, games and craft kits that filled her days with colour and fun,” recalls Leigh.
New milestones and a bright future
Bridget has since rung the bell twice to celebrate the end of her treatment and is now in remission.
Though she still makes regular outpatient visits, Bridget is embracing every moment of her life with determination and joy.
Now thriving in high school, Bridget is a STEM ambassador, has been a junior leader, and a passionate advocate for medical research—a field close to her heart thanks to the Foundation’s contributions to early detection and advanced treatments that gave her the best fighting chance.
“Bridget is a social justice warrior, always spreading awareness for childhood cancer,” says Leigh.
As Queensland Children’s Hospital celebrates ten years of world-class care, we’re reminded of the life changing impact the Children’s Hospital Foundation has in the lives of kids like Bridget.
Through programs offering support, comfort and hope, the Foundation ensures that kids like Bridget never face childhood illness alone.
The difference that shapes their world
Through supporting the Children’s Hospital Foundation, you can improve childhoods and ensure all children and young people have access to treatment - sooner.
