Two Young Girls Who Are Both Battling Cancer Show Symbol Of Hope As They Hug In Hospital
These Two Young Girls Have Become A Symbol Of Hope
Amy Packham— The Huffington Post UK
|
A photo of five-year-old Maliyah and two-year-old Madelina pictured in a children's hospital has become an international symbol of hope after going viral online.
The photo was shot by Maliyah's mother, Tazz Jones, several weeks ago when she witnessed the precious photo of the two girls hugging while they looked out the window in the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Maliyah was diagnosed with neuroblastoma - a rare cancer found in nerve cells - at just two, and Madelina's family found out she had acute myeloid leukemia in November when she was only 23 months old.
The mother shared this photo on Facebook and wrote: "So many people have been telling me to submit this picture, get it blown up, and that it touched [their] hearts. This is the perfect example of love."
But the photo that has gone viral is no longer just a photo. It's something that Jones hopes will bring people hope. "I want people to know that there's always someone out there for you, always a friend," said Jones to Today Health.
She explained this was the first time the children met and they "clicked instantly".
"For some reason, they both went over and sat down on this little ledge that they have, it's like a little heater [by the window], and then Maliyah put her hand over her [shoulder]," she added.
Open Image Modal
Maliyah Jones
Madelina's Mother, Kristin DeLuca told Today: "I thought it was a cute picture of the two girls who had just met and would have never imagined how much attention it has gotten."
DeLuca explained that Madelina has had a long periods of chemotherapy treatments at the hospital, but is still a very "happy and active little girl".
The mother explained this might have been why five-year-old Maliyah was affectionate towards her in the now viral photo.
Open Image Modal
Madelina DeLuca
Both mothers said the girls are making progress in their cancer battles, and have separate fundraising pages set up in their names - Maliyah and Madelina.
Madelina had a bone marrow biopsy recently which showed no signs of leukaemia, but is still being monitored while Maliyah is still continuing her fight.
The mothers are hoping to reunite the two young girls as well as help form a friendship between them that could last a very long time.
"In the long run, I really think that when they do get older and become really good friends, they can look back on this picture and say, 'Wow, we clicked and became friends.'" Jones told Today.
While the girls are in different stages of their cancer battle, this photo will link them together - and all the people who have supported it - for a long time.
childhood cancer awareness
(01 of10)
Open Image Modal
My Talan. He's a leukemia warrior. He's 8 years old and he's just a regular kid. We call them "warriors" and "heroes" and "fighters" but really they're just kids... kids who are fighting a battle much bigger than any of us and nobody asked them if they were up to it. So when I say he's a regular kid it's because the worst part of his treatment is over and he's getting back to doing the only thing he should have to do right now. He's being a kid.
This photo was taken a year to the date and I've never been able to get over the difference in his appearance. These kids live through hell. The worst part is knowing that as a parent you can only walk so far down that road with them. Talan would get sick to the point of bile. I wanted to comfort him so I'd reach out to rub his back or touch his neck with a cool rag but he'd put his hand up and without looking at me, in the best voice he could muster he'd say "No." That was the most profound moment as a parent caring for a child with cancer. He had to do the really bad parts alone and I could only watch. -- Tevin Yarger (credit:Tevin Yarger)
(02 of10)
Open Image Modal
This is my daughter Kasydi. She was diagnosed with ALL last year on July 15th at just 3 years old. It took two months of her constantly being sick to get her diagnosed with something other than anemia. As you can tell from this picture she is a very smiley little girl. She's so strong and brave. I am so proud to be her mom. -- Krystal Stephenson (credit:Krystal Stephenson)
(03 of10)
Open Image Modal
I have a 4-year-old daughter who was diagnosed with a brain tumor at 2 1/2. Her name is Reese.
After that she had a failed chemo and another couple brain surgeries. We started new chemo and shrinkage for those 16 months. Her last chemo was April.
She has been in the hospital for a month for assumed meningitis, she was in septic shock another month. She shared an IV pole with me when I gave birth to our baby girl last December.
She is my middle monkey of my five under 8, and a huge piece of my heart. -- Amanda Skelte (credit:Amanda Skelte)
(04 of10)
Open Image Modal
Our son Joey was diagnosed with ALL when he was 3 years old. We are coming up on his one-year diagnosis anniversary, and we have treatment planned through January 23, 2017. Joey loves nothing more than his big sister and every single one of her interests. -- Angie Worzala (credit:Angie Worzala)
(05 of10)
Open Image Modal
My youngest out four kids is fighting brain cancer medullablastoma. His tumor was removed completely. His name is Isaac and he's 7 years old. He finished six weeks of proton radiation/chemo and he has to complete six rounds of chemo. He has completed two rounds. He has definitely brought out the strength in me. He is so giving, caring, and he is my hero. I have always known there was no bigger love than a mothers love for her children and this reassured me that. -- Nilsa Dominguez (credit:Nilsa Dominguez)
(06 of10)
Open Image Modal
This is my son, Connor, 10 months after being diagnosed with DIPG. He looks healthy and full of life, right? That's because the only course of treatment for this terminal on diagnosis cancer is radiation treatment. Radiation is a palliative measure to buy time and results in minimal hair loss.
He lived 16 months from diagnosis and died less than six months after this picture was taken. In fact, he looked so healthy, at our Make-A-Wish trip to Disney, we were politely asked (over six times) to move from the "special line." He looked normal but was much worse off than those who had treatment options. -- Mariam Johnson (credit:Mariam Johnson)
(07 of10)
Open Image Modal
Here is our story about my 3-year-old daughter's cancer survival and miracle.
Grace was diagnosed soon after birth with neuroblastoma stage 4s. The 37 week ultrasound showed an abnormality and soon followed 3 full weeks until delivery of anxiety, more ultrasounds, so many doctors, and no answers.
She was born healthy (it seemed) on her due date and came home with us days after. She showed no signs of stress except a lag in gaining weight. At 4 weeks old her left adrenal gland was removed and found to be lemon sized. The following treatment was a wait-and-see approach since 4s can spread all throughout the body without pain or ill effects. The cancer spread to her liver, right adrenal gland, and God knows where else in her body. We had the least invasive approach of regular ultrasounds and frequent check ups at Portland Oregon's OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital.
At 10 months old, without chemo or radiation, with only love, this precious miracle tested cancer free. She's been cancer free since.
Grace is an amazing person to experience and she lives life full speed ahead. -- Sophie Grow (credit:Sophie Grow)
(08 of10)
Open Image Modal
My daughter, Caliah, was diagnosed with ALL leukemia at the age of 3 in 2010. She is four years in remission now. Cancer has changed our lives and opened our eyes to the awareness we need to have. We are very blessed that Caliah responded to well to therapy and is a healthy 7-year-old now. -- Mindy Russell (credit:Mindy Russell)
(09 of10)
Open Image Modal
Almost three years ago, my (then) 3-year-old daughter was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It was caught through a blood test. Within days, my seemingly healthy child was fighting for her life.
I am happy to say that today, at the age of 5, Maya is cancer free. She finished chemotherapy this past June and began kindergarten a few days ago. Aside from some complications as a result of the intense chemotherapy she received, Maya is doing well and we hope it will remain that way always. We will forever live with the fear of her cancer returning though. Our entire world has changed and we are incredibly grateful that our daughter is still with us. We know how different things could be. -- Jo-Ann Annunziato (credit:Jo-Ann Annunziato)
(10 of10)
Open Image Modal
My son Simon was diagnosed with clear cell sarcoma of the kidney at 12 months. He braved seven months of chemo and was off treatment for two years when he developed an inoperable brain tumor earlier this year.
He is finishing treatment of intense chemo and had 28 radiation treatments. He has endured three surgeries including having his right kidney removed. He hates his pokes but has gotten so brave. I hate that he thinks this is normal and feels everyone is staring at his bald head. -- Gretchen Leavitt (credit:Gretchen Leavitt)