A Sunshine Coast family is determined to “cherish these moments” as the community rallies around their eight-year-old daughter ahead of treatment for a rare cancer.
Caloundra girl Alarah Maginness has been recovering from surgery to remove a brain tumour after being diagnosed with ependymoma, a rare cancer that can form in the brain or spinal cord.
Her family first became concerned after Alarah experienced an unusual sensation in her arm.
Further testing revealed the tumour, and she was taken to Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane for surgery.
Five weeks after the operation, her mother Holly Maginness shared an update that Alarah was recovering well and had been cleared to return to school before radiation starts on November 3.
“We are so happy with how beautifully she has healed and with the outcome of her surgery,” Ms Maginness posted online on October 20.
“After everything she has been through, we are incredibly proud of her strength and bravery.”
The clearance will allow Alarah to spend eight days back at school, with some restrictions in place.
For her family, the return represents a precious break from hospitals and treatment.
“We want Alarah to have the opportunity to feel like a normal little girl again,” Ms Maginness said.
“School gives her purpose, joy and something to look forward to.
“Being able to spend time with her friends, get back into a little bit of routine and see that life still goes on is so important to us.
“After the last few weeks, these little moments of normality mean more than ever.”
Alarah is expected to begin seven weeks of radiation, five days a week, which will continue until close to Christmas.
“Unfortunately, our journey is far from over,” Ms Maginness said.
“We know this next chapter will bring its own challenges, but we will continue to take each day as it comes and do everything we can to support our beautiful girl.”
A GoFundMe started by Kayla Drummond and Alarah’s aunt Sarah Milner has raised more than $16,000 towards an $18,000 target.
The fundraiser was created to help Alarah’s parents, Holly and Matt, manage the financial impact of caring for their daughter while she undergoes treatment in Brisbane.
Community support has become a major source of comfort for the family as treatment continues.
“Your love and support have truly helped our family through this incredibly difficult and life-altering time. We honestly cannot put into words how much it means to us,” Ms Maginness said.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing by us during the hardest time of our lives.
“Your kindness, generosity and ongoing support have helped us more than you will ever know.”
For now, the family is focusing on Alarah’s return to school and the small moments before radiation begins.
“For now, we are going to cherish these moments, enjoy seeing her back at school with her friends and make the most of this little bit of normality before the next stage of her journey begins,” Ms Maginness said.
