Rebecca five years later

12-year-old Rebecca is from southern Ghana. We first met her in 2016, when she was being treated for leukaemia at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. In July 2021, we spoke to Rebecca and her mother to find out how she is getting on.

In 2016, Rebecca started to experience terrible pains in her legs, fever, and was often anaemic.  Her family visited several hospitals in search of answers, but her condition was worsening. It was not until she was finally referred to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) that she received a diagnosis of leukaemia and began treatment as soon as possible. As the family was unable to afford treatment costs, World Child Cancer supported them with drug support, diagnostics, and accommodation.

Five years after completing treatment, Rebecca goes to the hospital every six months for check-ups and remains cancer-free.

Everything is going well, and I feel excited after
recovering. I am writing my end-of-term examination at the moment.

I love science but I want to be an artist when I grow up. I like to draw people and things in my environment.

If I meet another girl with my condition, I will tell her stories about the things I went through and encourage her.

Our family is coping well. I have gone back to doing my work and taking care of my other two children, who stayed with their grandmother while Rebecca was in the hospital.
While at KBTH, I learnt a craft of beadmaking while my daughter was in treatment, which is providing me with additional income.

At KBTH, one of World Child Cancer’s partners organizes vocational training on jewelry and beadmaking for caregivers.  This training is an income-generating activity for those who may have lost their livelihoods due to the extended stay on the hospital ward.

Rebecca’s mother continues,

Rebecca has gone back to school but remains paralysed in her legs. She can stand but she cannot walk so I must carry her on my back to the roadside to get a car.

I am working hard to get alternative treatment options to restore the strength in both of Rebecca’s legs.

I am thankful to God, to World Child Cancer and the medical staff for their support and help to
the family, particularly the cost of treatment, which went on smoothly.

Reflecting on their time at the hospital, she said,

“Rebecca used to speak to other parents whose children had just started their treatment. She helps them to understand why their children lose their hair and encourage them.  At home she speaks to other parents about some of the symptoms she knows about cancer to create awareness.”

We look forward to seeing what the future holds for Rebecca. Help support more children with cancer like Rebecca receive the diagnosis and support they need by donating today.

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