The Lunar New Year That Changed Everything
In late 2023, Sophie’s parents noticed she was frequently losing her appetite. Although she remained active in various activities and competitions, her family initially thought it might be due to fatigue or a mild cold. However, they continued to seek medical attention for her, carefully following up with everything from general practitioners to psychiatrists to ensure both her physical and mental well-being were properly addressed.
As time went on, Sophie began experiencing neck pain, which gradually worsened. On the eve of the Lunar New Year, she was hospitalized due to a high fever. After a week in the hospital, she was temporarily discharged on New Year’s Eve. Unexpectedly, in the early morning of New Year’s Day, Sophie suddenly felt severe pain in her legs. Her family immediately rushed her back to the hospital for blood tests and further examinations. At 11:30 a.m. on the third day of the new year, the doctor delivered the diagnosis—Sophie had leukemia and needed to be transferred to a children’s hospital immediately for treatment.
“I remember that day clearly… I was truly terrified…” Sophie’s mother said, her voice trembling with emotion.
A Warm Turning Point
Sophie’s illness came on suddenly. At first, her parents knew nothing about caring for a leukemia patient, and it took a week of learning to gradually gain experience. Due to the strict dietary hygiene requirements of leukemia treatment, her parents had to prepare all her meals themselves. Living in Tai Po, the daily commute to the hospital was long and exhausting, adding to the family’s stress. A medical social worker, understanding their situation, recommended Ronald McDonald House Charities Hong Kong (RMHC HK). The modern facilities and clean environment pleasantly surprised them and provided practical support for Sophie’s continued treatment.
At first, Sophie was reluctant to move in, worried that she would lose contact with her family and friends. However, since the teachers and students from her school had previously volunteered at the house, the principal and teachers showed Sophie some photos of the house, explained the need for her to move in, and introduced the facilities. They patiently reassured her, frequently bringing her photos from school and even organizing student volunteers to visit. Eventually, Sophie felt at ease and settled in. She maintained a positive mindset, not only learning to console herself but also encouraging her parents by saying, “It’s all just temporary!”
A “Second Home”
After staying at RMHC HK for some time, Sophie gradually let go of her worries and began calling it her “second home.” She actively participated in activities like craft workshops, especially enjoying the process of creating things and the satisfaction of seeing the finished product. Sometimes, she would even work on projects with her parents, spending quality time together as a family. Sophie’s favorite spot in the Kwun Tong House was the video game area on the third floor, where she could play Switch and PS5. “I love gaming!” she exclaimed excitedly. She often invited classmates and teachers to visit, serving as a “house tour guide” and even being appointed as a “School Ambassador” by her principal.
For her parents, the communal kitchen left the deepest impression. Well-equipped and hygienic, it allowed them to prepare fresh meals at any time and quickly deliver them to Sophie via the house shuttle bus. When unexpected situations arose at the hospital, they could also seek advice from other parents of ill children while cooking, sharing experiences and support. “Before moving in, we had no idea how useful beetroot could be,” Sophie’s mother said with a smile. During the long treatment process, the kitchen became more than just a place to cook—it was a space for parents to encourage each other and draw strength.
The Power of a Smile
Cheerful and optimistic, Sophie was seen by everyone as a “little ray of sunshine,” her positive energy uplifting those around her. She had a special friend named “Mr. PICC”—the PICC line that had accompanied her through long treatments. After it was removed, it became her most treasured possession. She often shared her story with Mr. PICC, a memory that might seem painful to others but which she saw as a bond with a “battle buddy.” Due to the treatment, Sophie lost all her hair twice and still keeps it very short to this day. However, she laughs and says, “I think short hair looks better on me!” She also enjoys recording short videos to capture her thoughts and feelings, hoping to spread positivity and inspire others online in the future.
We Are All Little Warriors
Sophie is now in the 56th week of her treatment, nearly halfway through. Her muscle strength has gradually recovered, allowing her to climb stairs on her own, and her physical functions are returning to normal, with her condition under control. Having left the Kwun Tong House, Sophie has returned home and started a new chapter in her life! She would like to share a poem she wrote to encourage other children and parents fighting illness:
You are as brave as warriors,
Protecting everyone you care about—
Including yourselves.
You will fight till the end;
Even when sadness brings you to your knees,
You will rise and march forward.
And you will defeat the enemy!
