A Heartwarming Bond: The Special Friendship of Schoolgirls Facing Leukemia Together

In a touching story of resilience and support, two young girls from Bridgend have formed an unbreakable bond while battling the same form of cancer. Betsy, seven, and Lacie, five, met after both received a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia just weeks apart. Their friendship has blossomed into a source of strength and encouragement as they navigate the challenges of treatment together.

Meeting at a Difficult Time

Although Betsy and Lacie lived less than a mile apart and attended the same school, their paths only crossed in April 2023 when illness brought them both together. Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a serious form of blood cancer, they quickly realized that they shared an experience that transcended childhood boundaries.

Creating a Supportive Network

During their treatment journey, both girls and their families became entrenched in a unique support network. This bond, forged in the heart of adversity, has allowed the girls to provide emotional support to one another during the challenging cycles of chemotherapy, hair loss, and the need for isolation. “It’s really nice to have a friend that’s always with you in hospital,” said Betsy, capturing the essence of their profound companionship.

A Friendship Built on Understanding

As young girls facing similarly daunting challenges, Betsy and Lacie have become more than just friends; they have become like family. The shared experiences have created a deep understanding between them and their parents. “Having someone there who’s going through the same thing is everything,” said Lacie’s mother, demonstrating the importance of support among families during such trying times.

Shared Experiences and Their Emotional Impact

Both girls have undergone grueling treatments but have managed to find solace in their friendship. They have witnessed each other’s joys and setbacks, sharing laughter and tears alike. Throughout the treatment process, having a confidante who understands the intricacies of hospital visits and chemotherapy allows for emotional relief, making each challenge a little more bearable.

Strengthening Each Other’s Courage

As their friendship flourished, they also encountered each other in educational settings, helping one another build confidence. During shared blood tests at school, Betsy displayed remarkable bravery, emphasizing the importance of her support for Lacie. In turn, Lacie found encouragement in Betsy’s courage, declaring, “I think I am going to be as brave as Betsy.” This mutual motivation enhances their capacity to face their medical journey together.

The Role of Family Support

Their mothers have formed an invaluable friendship as well, understanding the complexities and emotional toll that cancer takes on families. “You’ve been my rock,” shared Jess with Charlotte, ensuring that support extends not just to the girls but also among families grappling with the trials of cancer treatment.

The Importance of Community

The unity created through shared struggles among the families has not only provided emotional support but practical assistance, too. Both families frequently visit Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales, where they have met others in similar situations, creating a wider community of support that embodies hope and resilience.

A Joyful Return to School

As they progress through treatment, both girls are presently in the maintenance phase, navigating their daily medication and regular hospital visits while being able to return to school. Their favorite school activities and familiarity with classmates now happen in the context of their shared health journeys, proving that friendship, even amidst trials, can bring joy.

Looking Ahead with Hope

Both Betsy and Lacie showcase the capability of friendship to uplift spirits during challenging times. Their bond serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, the strength found in companionship can shine brightly. Together, they forge onward, promising brighter days ahead, while embodying the spirit of resilience in the fight against leukemia.

BBC

Betsy, seven, and five-year-old Lacie have a very special friendship.

Despite living less than a mile apart in Bridgend, and attending the same school, they did not meet until April 2023.

This was when they were both diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) just three weeks apart.

Since then both the girls and their parents have become like family.

They’ve supported each through chemotherapy cycles, hair loss and formed a support bubble when both needed to isolate.

“It’s really nice to have a friend that’s always with you in hospital,” said Betsy.

“She’s special to me…. she’s my best friend,” said Lacie.

Family photo

Their mums said they could not imagine facing the past 18 months without each other, and families they have met at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales in Cardiff.

“Having someone there who’s going through the same thing, it’s just everything,” explained Lacie’s mother Jess.

“It’s such an important friendship for us and it’s helped us on our journey no end,” added Betsy’s mum Charlotte.

Lacie first became unwell in October 2022 and for about six months had multiple visits to the GP for everything from sickness and high temperatures to colds and chickenpox.

Family photo

The following April, a large lump appeared on her neck and the family received the diagnosis a week later.

“We just broke down, just there and then,” said her mother Jess.

“I was just looking over at my husband thinking ‘tell me this is a dream’.”

Little did she know that just three weeks earlier, Charlotte, who she had never met despite living so close to, had received the same devastating news about her daughter.

Family photo

Betsy’s diagnosis followed months of stomach pain, fevers and limb pain.

Following blood tests, she received the same diagnosis.

“It was a hammer blow… my whole world turned upside down,” said Charlotte.

Just weeks later, when Betsy was in the early stages of her chemotherapy, Charlotte received a text message from a friend that would be the catalyst for the girls’ friendship.

“[She] said ‘I hope you don’t mind me messaging but I have a friend who’s in the same school as you who lives local and has just been given the news that her daughter has got the same diagnosis’,” recalled Charlotte.

“It just completely stopped me in my tracks.”

Charlotte decided to text Jess immediately.

Family photo

“I’m so glad she did,” said Jess.

“She could give me an insight into what was to come because at the beginning, they get given a really heavy dose of steroids.

“And it changes their appearance, it changes their characters, it changes their physical features and I was prepped for that.”

The girls met for the first time at hospital.

“They just hit it off straight away,” said Jess.

“The girls just straight away acted as if they had been best friends for life.

“It was lovely, they were hugging, they were getting to know each other, asking each other questions and it’s just evolved from there.”

Family photo

Since then both girls have been through gruelling treatment.

Betsy responded well to her chemotherapy.

But for the first six months, Lacie’s parents were told she was not responding to the treatment.

“Every time you hear those words ‘the chemo hasn’t worked as well as we would like it to work’ it breaks your heart again and again,” said Jess.

“There was a lot of guilt for me because Betsy was responding to treatment… things were going well for us and they were not going particularly well for Jess and Lacie at that point,” said Charlotte.

“I hope I was there for her, to support where she has been for me throughout.”

Family photo

After six months Lacie’s consultant was able to secure funding for a drug that is not available on the NHS.

It is a targeted immunotherapy drug called Blinatumomab, also known as Blina.

For four weeks, Lacie had to wear a backpack containing the drug for 24 hours a day so it could enter her blood intravenously through a picc line in her arm.

“Thankfully, that worked,” said Jess.

Family photo

Both girls are now in the maintenance phase of their treatment – which is due to be completed next year.

This means they still have to take medication daily and have frequent hospital visits.

But they are back at school.

Each week, Lesley, their paediatric oncology outreach nurse specialist, visits them to check their bloods.

She has witnessed their friendship flourish.

“They both understand what each other are going through and [when] having a blood sample they’re really supportive of each other,” she said.

“I think Lacie found it quite difficult having a blood sample in school the first couple of times but Betsy was really encouraging so it made the whole process easier.”

On a Tuesday morning at school, Betsy was determined to lead by example when getting her thumb pricked so Lesley could squeeze out enough blood to check her blood count.

“I’m going to be good because I know Lacie is younger than me so I’ll show her,” she said.

Lacie quickly responded to her friend’s courage.

“I think I am going to be as brave as Betsy is,” said Lacie.

Their mums get similar strength from one another too.

“I am surrounded by people and surrounded by lovely friends and family who were so supportive,” said Charlotte.

“But to have that person that understands… sometimes you don’t have to speak, it’s just a smile.

“Those friendships are so important.”

“I get so emotional because I genuinely couldn’t do this without you… it’s such a lonely place…. you understand exactly what I’m going through,” said Jess to Charlotte.

“You’ve been my rock.”

FAQ

What is Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL)?

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is characterized by the rapid increase of immature white blood cells, which can hinder the production of normal blood cells, leading to various health complications.

How can friends support each other during cancer treatment?

Friends can support one another by being present, listening, and participating in activities together. Simple gestures like visiting, texting, or sharing experiences can greatly help those undergoing treatments feel less isolated and more understood.

What are some emotional challenges faced by children with cancer?

Children with cancer may experience feelings of fear, confusion, and sadness. The changes brought about by treatment, such as hair loss and frequent hospital visits, can impact their self-esteem and social interactions, making emotional support crucial during this time.

What is the role of immunotherapy in treating leukaemia?

Immunotherapy is an innovative treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer cells more effectively. In the case of leukaemia, drugs like Blinatumomab can target specific signals in cancer cells, which enhances the body’s natural defenses against the disease, thus improving treatment outcomes.

How can families dealing with cancer find support?

Families can find support through local and online support groups, counseling services, and connecting with other families experiencing similar challenges. These platforms provide an opportunity to share experiences, gain insights, and obtain emotional and practical support.