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.Rebecca
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.
Rebecca's Mother, Charlotte
At KBTH, one of World Child Cancer’s partners organises vocational training on jewellery 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.Rebecca's Mother, Charlotte
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.”
Rebecca's Mother, Charlotte
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.
We first met Naa in 2016 when she was diagnosed with Wilm’s Tumour at 7 years old. In 2021 the cancer returned and Naa underwent treatment again. She has battled cancer twice and is now back in school.
Read moreWe first met Joseph in 2019 after he was diagnosed with Leukaemia. Find out more how he is doing after his successful treatment.
Read moreKayin was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma. He is now working as a carpenter and is feeling happy and strong.
Read moreRead more about our catch-up with Rebecca after undergoing cancer treatment through World Child Cancer in Ghana six years ago.
Read more14-year-old Hassan from the Machinga district of Malawi was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) last year.
Read moreWe first met Naa in 2016 when she was diagnosed with Wilm’s Tumour at 7 years old. In 2021 the cancer returned and Naa underwent treatment again. She has battled cancer twice and is now back in school.
Read moreWe first met Joseph in 2019 after he was diagnosed with Leukaemia. Find out more how he is doing after his successful treatment.
Read moreKayin was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma. He is now working as a carpenter and is feeling happy and strong.
Read moreRead more about our catch-up with Rebecca after undergoing cancer treatment through World Child Cancer in Ghana six years ago.
Read more14-year-old Hassan from the Machinga district of Malawi was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) last year.
Read moreFive years after developing cancer and two years of treatment later, six-year-old Tiwo is doing well
Read moreMeet Franklyn, now 17, who is fully recovered from cancer and dreams of becoming a doctor to help others
Read moreRebecca is now able to return to school after undergoing cancer treatment through World Child Cancer in Ghana
Read morePrince went on to become a childhood cancer advocate and help many other children just like him when he recovered from leukaemia. Read More
Read moreMeet Estaphanie, who is excited to start university after being forced to take time out of school following a cancer diagnosis
Read moreBulu is looking forward to following in his brother’s footsteps getting back on the football field
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