When Alison Young found out her youngest daughter Mia had been diagnosed with leukaemia after failing a routine eye test at school, her world fell apart.
The six-year-old spent the next two years having chemotherapy and will now need a bone marrow transplant to stand any chance of survival.
But even more heartache was to follow for the family when Alison herself was found to have secondary breast cancer just eight months on from Mia's own diagnosis.
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"I should have gone to get it checked earlier but I was so worried about Mia and I just wanted to look after her so I didn't have time to think about myself," said Alison, 39.
Mia, from Treorchy, Rhondda, was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia just over two years ago following a failed eye test in school. She was then taken by her mum for a follow-up appointment at Specsavers which is when abnormalities were detected.
"Mia was fit and well with no symptoms of vision problems whatsoever so I thought it was strange she had failed the test. We took her to Specsavers for further investigations – but I couldn't have anticipated what would come next," Alison admitted.
Geraint Jones, optometrist director at Specsavers Treorchy, conducted Mia's examination and noticed an unusual appearance to the blood vessels near the optic nerve at the back of the one eye.
He immediately referred Mia to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Llantrisant where, after numerous tests, medical staff confirmed her diagnosis.
Alison added: "Her white cell count was 460,000 per cubic millimetre – estimated at between 50 to 100 times higher than normal in a child.
"We have been working quite closely with Specsavers trying to raise as much awareness as we can about the importance of eye tests and from the bottom of our hearts we would like to thank them for their quick action and efficiency towards Mia's diagnosis.
"The diagnosis came as a particular shock to us as a family and medical staff alike as chronic myeloid leukaemia is predominantly found in over-60s. She continues to receive oral chemotherapy and has been supported by the Noah's Ark Children’s Hospital in Cardiff."
Mia has spent the last 24 months on daily chemotherapy but she recently received the heartbreaking news that the treatment is no longer working. She is now part of a cancer trial and will undergo a bone marrow transplant in a few months as long as her new form of chemotherapy works.
The family then suffered more devastating news after mum Alison was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer in August 2020.
She has had an intense course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and has also undergone surgery to remove the 17cm tumour in her breast.
However Alison will need to put her treatment on hold to care for Mia for as long as she's able to and support her through this devastating time.
"As we both have cancer I understand exactly what she's going through. I'm glad I've got it in a way so she can be less afraid as mammy has it too."
For the courage she shown throughout her treatment Mia has received a Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Award in partnership with TK Maxx. She was one of 15 children from across the UK recognised during the virtual awards show.
Hosted by children affected by the disease it was filmed to highlight the impact cancer has on young lives and encourage more nominations for the accolade.
Alison said: "As soon as I heard about the Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Awards I put Mia forward. It's so important to keep raising awareness about what children and young people go through.
"We've always known Mia is a VIP but it was extra special to see her shine on screen as part of the Star Awards show. It's given us all a real boost after a tough couple of years. We're so proud of her. She is incredibly strong and we hope the film inspires other families to get nominating.”
The awards are open to all children under 18 who live in the UK and have been treated for cancer within the past five years. There is no judging panel because the charity believes every child diagnosed with cancer deserves special recognition.
Every eligible child who is nominated receives a trophy, a £50 TK Maxx gift card, a T-shirt, and a certificate signed by celebrities supporting the campaign. Their siblings also receive a certificate.
Ruth Amies, Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People spokesperson for Wales, said: "Mia is a real star who has been through so much at such a young age. It has been an absolute privilege to be able to celebrate her courage with a Star Award and to mark the occasion with a special show.
“We're urging people in Wales to nominate inspirational children like Mia now so that many more can receive the acknowledgement they so richly deserve."
Mia’s family would also like to thank the public for supporting their fundraising efforts and are asking for some extra help to support them with travel costs while family members spend several months staying in Bristol Hospital to support Mia’s treatment. Please email Alison at ellaandmiasrainbows@yahoo.com for more information.
Alison concluded: "It's been a difficult time for us as a family we have tried to make Mia and sister Ella's Christmas as special as possible.
"Mia will turn seven in a couple of weeks before she goes for her bone marrow transplant and we are hoping restrictions will ease so we can at least give her the special birthday she deserves. A big thank you to everyone that follows our journey and supports us through our most difficult times of our lives."
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