Reconnecting as a Family: Raya’s Journey Beyond Childhood Cancer

In February 2021, four-year-old Raya was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), a type of childhood leukaemia that affects blood and bone marrow.

“Raya is the youngest of my three children and had been sick on and off for almost two years with random, unexplained fevers. We just couldn’t get to the bottom of it.” said Raya’s Mum, Grace.

The symptoms were sure signs of leukaemia and when a blood test confirmed the leukaemia diagnosis, Raya was immediately admitted to Westmead Hospital to start her cancer treatment. They were told she needed a bone marrow transplant as her leukaemia was very aggressive.
They were able to use Raya’s father, Ben, as a bone marrow donor for her transplant. Ben was only a 50% match and if the transplant didn’t work, there were no other treatment options for Raya. After a stressful two month wait for the next bone marrow biopsy, the results showed that the transplant had worked, and Raya was finally in remission.

Raya required a strict six-month isolation in hospital and then at home to make sure she didn’t contract any infections. “The first time she was allowed to leave isolation, she was so excited and just so happy.”

Raya’s cancer diagnosis upended the whole family. The family had just moved back to Sydney. Raya’s father had stayed in Melbourne to finish up work and was still there when they received the diagnosis. The COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns and travel restrictions made the situation even harder to navigate.

As Raya’s health improved, Grace searched for ways to support her outside the hospital. “I had heard about Camp Quality, but I wasn’t really sure what they did initially. It wasn’t until I saw a parent post on social media that I thought ‘well, we’re in a good place, we can do that now’ so I registered online.”

Shortly after registering, the family went on their first Family Camp, a Taronga Zoo Dream Night. They were able to connect and have fun together. “We were able to build new memories together as a family in a very positive way, especially after such a traumatic year.”
Raya recently returned to Taronga Zoo to help celebrate Camp Quality’s 40th Birthday. “It was amazing for Raya … to make friends and connect with people who had had similar experiences.”

Now aged seven, Raya is back at school full-time. She is taking dance and acrobatics classes, is learning to play the piano and just lost her first tooth.

“It’s so exciting to see a big milestone. When you go through treatment, you just don’t know the future and it’s quite surreal.”
In August 2023, the Camp Quality Cancer Education Program puppets visited Raya’s school to help her celebrate two-years in remission. Her Mum said that she was so excited to be able to share the experience with her peers.

Camp Quality Brings Laughter and Connection to Families Facing Childhood Cancer 

At Camp Quality, we’re here to make life a little brighter for kids with cancer and their families. We offer resources that help parents and kids understand different types of childhood cancers, like leukaemia, in a way that’s easy to grasp. From fun digital tools like the Kids’ Guide to Cancer to handy tips on talking to kids about cancer, we’re with families every step of the way.

Our support doesn’t stop there. We help families connect with hospital support services and offer a cancer navigation service to make it easier for parents to get the financial, emotional, and practical help they need. These programs are all about lifting some of the burden and making sure no one feels alone.

We believe in creating space for kids to just be kids, even when times are tough. We bring positivity, fun, and laughter to families, offering a chance to make happy memories together. Register your family and join a community that understands what you’re going through—just like Raya’s family did.

Camp Quality relies on the generosity of Australians to keep bringing smiles and support to kids and families facing cancer.