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Meet Sharde

"It started with a pain in her hips…we had no idea that it could have been cancer," Sharde's mum Melinda said.

 In January last year, Melinda took her five-year-old daughter Sharde to the local hospital with a pain in her hips, thinking it could simply have been a pulled muscle. But over the next few days the pain became more intense and nothing could take the pain away.

ShardeDoctors sent Sharde for emergency blood tests and X-rays. Melinda was asked to pack a bag for herself and Sharde and immediately take her daughter to the Royal Children’s Hospital.

"Before we knew it, Sharde was being treated for childhood leukaemia," Melinda said.

"It was hard to comprehend; I was just so scared for her."

"My fiancé was an absolute wreck, and I knew I had to try and be the strong one... for Sharde, but as soon as I was alone, I fell apart. I was a mess, knowing there was nothing I could do for her. I just had to watch," Melinda recalled. 

During Sharde’s ordeal, Melinda was inspired by her daughter's strength.  At first she was upset at losing her hair but then just wanted to get better.

"It's been such a long journey," Melinda said. "There were lots of nights away from each other when all we wanted was to be together as a family."

Sharde is now in ‘maintenance’ which is treatment once a month at the hospital and chemotherapy tablets at home each night. Most importantly, this little girl is enjoying life and meeting up with her Year 1 friends at school. 

Through her daughter’s battle with leukaemia, Melinda said she now understands the importance of supporting the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation.

"Raising money for the Royal Children’s Hospital will help a lot of families and children like my daughter Sharde. By finding better treatments and even discovering cures, one day we won’t have to worry about what is going to happen tomorrow."

5 Comments

  1. Wal and Lorna Lawrie on Tuesday 22 February, 2011

    It is great to see that you are back at school with your mates. You are an inspiration to us all. Lots of love.

  2. Mary-Clare on Wednesday 16 February, 2011

    May God Bless You and your family and protect you for always dear little Sharde. Wonderful news. Mary-Clare.

  3. Susan Battelley on Wednesday 16 February, 2011

    Sharde, I think you are destined for great things, well done little one, enjoy school,

  4. Lilly Masters on Wednesday 11 August, 2010

    Hi Sharde, you are one amazing little girl...and it's so good to hear that you are on the mend.. I am a student nurse and working in Oncology (with adults) and still amazed at what these amazing drugs can do..Even though the side effects can be negative, but in the end it will all be worth it.. Take care and best wishes to you and your family..

  5. Kayla Enniss on Wednesday 28 April, 2010

    your story has kept me insipired to keep my dream of becomming a paediatric nurse so i can help look after children. Im glad to hear this story has a happy ending.

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