For Molly, aged two, and eight-week-old Megan, the last two months have been anything but typical.
The Aberdeen-born tots have both been admitted to hospital following their different, but equally painful diagnoses.
Molly Burnett was excited to finally start nursery before she was diagnosed with leukaemia in November last year.
A month later, Megan Elizabeth Reid was born prematurely with a heart-defect while weighing only three pounds and seven ounces.
Following the news, a nursery and church in Bridge of Don have organised a fundraiser to help support the girls’ families.
Second birthday on a chemo ward
After being on a waiting list for Banana Moon Nursery for months, Molly and her mum Nadia were delighted when she was finally able to attend.
However, the toddler was soon forced to swap days playing and learning with friends for weeks on a chemotherapy programme in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary after she received her diagnosis in November last year.
Nursery manager Terry Wiseman said Molly had spent her first days at the nursery in a cast.
“She actually broke her leg,” Ms Wiseman said. “They couldn’t work out why or how she broke her leg and it turned out after investigation that she had leukaemia.
“She’s now on a chemotherapy programme and she’s had to have bone marrow transplants. So little Molly spent her second birthday on a chemo ward.”
Molly’s mum had to quit her work with the NHS just to look after her, while Molly was “still smiling” through it.
The nursery and the pastor of Oasis Christian Fellowship Church, Will Hanekom wanted to do something to help.
They decided to host a family fun day to raise funds and show support.
Ms Wiseman said: “It was just to let them know that we have got their back, we are here for them and we want them to know that we care.”
Prayers answered for Megan
It was through a prayer request put forward to the church they then heard about Megan’s situation.
“One of the congregation’s nieces was born with a really bad heart defect,” Ms Wiseman added.
“She had major surgery. Megan was born at three pounds seven and was a majorly poorly little girl.
“She’s still not particularly well, but she’s just over five pounds now. She still needs a second heart operation and she’s still on supported breathing.”
Megan had to be transferred to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow where her family, who live in Aberdeen, are currently staying.
Ms Wiseman said it has left the family feeling very isolated away from home.
Unfortunately, she said the situation is something she can really relate to.
The 40-year-old’s younger sister had major heart surgery for eight weeks at the same hospital.
Being only 19 at the time, Ms Wiseman said she and her brother were doing all they could to help financially and sending money to their mum.
She added: “I remember it being not only stressful, but really, really difficult financially. We all struggled.”
‘Not in this alone’
Ms Wiseman and Mr Hanekom decided to use the fundraiser to also help raise money for Megan’s family.
Will Hanekom, pastor of the Oasis Christian Fellowship Church, said they hoped the funds raised would help support the families involved.
He said: “For the families themselves it’s staggeringly important because when the event is over and they’re trying to rebuild their lives, there’s something at the end to help them.
“The most amazing thing about all this is that’s it’s bringing the community together.”
The 49-year-old added the families were very grateful. He said: “It’s been nothing but tears and thanks.
“They also see that other people now care. That’s saying ‘Listen, you’re not in this alone.'”
The fundraiser, a family fun day, is being held at Oasis Christian Fellowship Church in Bridge of Don between 10am and 1pm on Saturday, February 4. To find out more, click here.
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