Text by Franca Messina, Sara’s mom
August 19, 2017. My life came to a halt. I learned that my daughter Sara, age 8, had cancer. More specifically, acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
I was crushed. I lost interest in everything; all I wanted was to be with my girl. I was completely wracked with anxiety. I was in the unknown. I had no idea what to expect because I didn’t know this monster that had attacked my daughter’s body.
Meanwhile Sara, along with constant pain, nausea and vomiting, had to stop doing the two things she loved the most: dancing and skiing. Plus, she had to stay home for an entire year – no school, no meals at the restaurant, no movies, because her immune system was too weak and we had to protect her from possible infections.
She was isolated, sad that she was unable to live her life as a normal eight-year-old child. And then she had to deal with gaining weight and seeing her hair fall out… What a trial for a mom and a little girl who will soon turn 10.
Before she got sick, I had a wonderful, almost magical relationship with Sara. Since cancer struck, our closeness almost defies description… Words will never be enough to explain what we mean to each other.
It took about 8 months before we were able to start coming to grips with this new life we hadn’t chosen. We decided to get involved to make a difference for the families who will unfortunately have to face this ordeal some day.
Today, Sara is doing well, thanks to your donations.
I want to thank every person who donated in the past and each person who will donate in the future. Research has allowed 85% of children to be cured today. However, we must keep on raising funds so that 100% of them will be cured.
Sara is proud to be a spokesperson for Fondation Charles-Bruneau and, also, proud to be one of Tremblant’s 24h child heroes. Her experience as a sponsored child, the 24h video shoot and the support she’s had from Fondation Charles-Bruneau have all helped her regain her self-esteem and even find meaning in life.
