Alive against all odds

BETTER NOW: Two-year-old Maggie Coppin is in remission after treatment for leukaemia.

David Nielsen

MAGGIE Coppin is an enchanting child with a beautiful smile that masks the health ordeal she’s been through.

Born with leukaemia two-and-a-half years ago, Maggie has endured chemotherapy and a cord blood transplant.

Now, thankfully, she’s in remission and able to enjoy life with her nine-month-old sister Ruby.

Maggie’s mum, Anne Wright, says her daughter has had three “touch-and-go” episodes in her short life.

“She only had two rounds of chemotherapy – the first at two-and-a-half weeks,” she said.

“All of her vital organs shut down and they put her on life support. At four weeks old, they told us to turn off the life support.

“Her cord blood transplant in May 2008 took really well.

“Four days after, she was gravely ill and rushed to the intensive care unit.”

Doctors at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane gave Maggie a five per cent chance of survival.

“With time, everything started coming good,” Ms Wright said.

“There’s so much support there.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the Leukaemia Foundation.

“They’re great, like an extended family.”

The foundation is asking Ipswich residents to spare a few dollars for leukaemia patients and their families when they hear a volunteer knocking on their door during its annual fundraising appeal.

It is hoped that the $1.2 million raised this year will fund medical research and support services for patients as they battle blood cancer.

Queensland CEO Peter Johnstone said every dollar would make a difference to the lives of patients and their families.

“Sadly with 2000 Queenslanders expected to be diagnosed with a blood cancer in 2010, the demand for the foundation’s services continues to grow,” Mr Johnstone said.

“Being a not-for-profit organisation receiving no ongoing government funds, the Leukaemia Foundation relies on the generosity and support of individuals, business and community organisations to maintain and expand its services.

“Funding survivorship programs is a challenge we gladly face because it means more people are responding to treatment for leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders.”

To find out more or to make a donation, visit www.doorknock.net.au or call 1800 152 211.