For Zoe

By Edwina Leslie

‘Cancer at any age is terrible, but cancer in your child is truly awful.' Help find a cure for childhood cancer!

When we found out we were expecting our first child, we were overjoyed. We had recently married, moved to Canberra, and bought our first home. However, at 28 weeks into my pregnancy, we discovered that our baby, Zoe, had a 10-centimeter tumour near her tailbone, believed to be benign.

Despite the initial shock, we were reassured that surgery could remove the tumour. We relocated to Sydney for specialized care, and Zoe was born via emergency C-section at 37 weeks. However, the tumour was not what we expected. It was on Zoe's leg, encompassing her entire right thigh and accounting for 40% of her body weight. Zoe underwent an immediate amputation of her right leg to save her life.

Just when it seemed Zoe was recovering, small bumps appeared on her back. Tests revealed she had stage IV alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. Zoe began chemotherapy at less than two weeks old, showing remarkable resilience.

Tragically, just before Christmas, further scans revealed that the cancer had spread to Zoe's brain, and it was untreatable. We moved to Bear Cottage, a palliative care facility, to spend precious time with Zoe. We cherished every moment, creating lasting memories until Zoe passed away at 11 weeks old.

To read further on our story please click here - Zoe's Story | Sacrococcygeal Teratoma | Children's Cancer Institute (ccia.org.au) 

Our experience has shown us the urgent need for better treatments for childhood cancers. We are asking for your support to help bring hope to families facing similar battles and to honour Zoe's legacy. 

 

Thank you to my Sponsors

$2.44k

Mum

For my beautiful Zoe xx

$52.75

Felicity And Ananthan

$52.75

Amy Burroughs

Much love to you Ed and for Zoe xx

$52.75

Whit, Kris, Paxton And Kona

For Zoe, forever in our hearts.

$71.06

Michaela Mcarthur

$31.65

Kate Luck

$50

Shafiqua Wahid

$50

Robyn Hall

$30

Melde V

$32.25

Ofir Schlosberg

$50

Lara Barnsley

Sending love Ed, what a horrific thing you have been through and now you are just amazing making a difference to others xx

$52.75

Lisa James

Long time no speak Ed but wanted to wish you good luck with the fundraiser - hope is a huge success! Also hope that you and the family are well, sending love Lisa and Ant x

$52.25

Emma Butcher

In memory of Zoe and other children with cancer xxoo

$52.75

Bec Russell-cook

Love you Zoe. Always in our hearts and thoughts xx

$52.75

Jess, Pete, Tommy & Evie

Big love to our Zoe girl. Always in our hearts xx

$52.75

Milli Feldman

So much love to you Ed

$31.65

Sophie Woodhouse

Much love to you Ed, in memory of beautiful Zoe x

$21

Michelle Mcgovern

In support of you and of more research into childhood cancers xx

$52.50

Monika Periard

In loving memory of Zoe

$52.75

Lisi Schappi

$26.38

Rachel N

$500

Greg Macnamara

$52.75

Michelle Bryant

Good luck with reaching your goal, Ed, so that there are treatment options for all cancers. Sending you and your family strength.

$26.38

Bec Allen

Strength to you all and to everyone battling these horrible cancers.

$52.75

Linh Le

Sending much love

$104.50

Laura Droppert

All the best to you Ed! Let's hope we can start to make a difference for all the children & their families effected by this horrible disease & decrease those numbers too!

$52.75

Liz Chia

For Zoe. Love to you Ed ❤️

$52.75

Demia De Tonnerre

In loving memory of dear Zoe 🩷

$52.75

Carrington Melbourne

$105

Ruth Barnett

Big love for your gorgeous little girl Zoe🫶🏻 may this money help to find a cure one day …

$105

Meyrelle

All the best xxx

$52.25

Katherine Mcmahon

In loving memory of Zoe ❤️

$31.35

Kerstin Jarvis

$52.75

Izz

A little something to start it off x

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