When a child receives a cancer diagnosis, often their whole life is put on pause. What was once a world of possibility transforms into a narrow focus of treatment, medication and invasive hospital procedures.
Physical activity is often the first to go, but Little Big Steps is proving its importance in supporting a child’s cancer journey.
With Telethon’s support, Little Big Steps have been able to offer physiotherapy to children undergoing treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, showing that it can reduce the severity of side effects and help preserve a child’s strength and bone health.
For cancer survivors, recovery isn’t complete the moment they hear the words ‘cancer-free’ or get to ring the bell on the oncology ward. It’s a long journey back to normality and even then, late effects can still present.
Kyra with her dog, Elvin, during treatment
Prior to her cancer diagnosis, Kyra was heavily involved in dancing, cheerleading and acrobatics. But after intense chemotherapy she struggled to stand and walk and needed a wheelchair. During recovery from a bone marrow transplant, Kyra worked with Little Big Steps to gradually build back her strength.
“We are one year post-transplant and Kyra has rejoined her classmates for year 8, rejoined her dance company for musical theatre and is now snorkelling at the Lagoon!” – Mum, Karrie
Kyra is back dancing one year post-transplant
Proving that movement is critical in recovery, Little Big Steps is now working with PCH to extend this service to all children diagnosed with any cancer, setting a new gold standard of cancer intervention, care and recovery.