Help Summa Fight Leukaemia—Again!

Every month in Australia, 90 children are diagnosed with cancer. One of those kids is Summa. And not just once—but twice.

Hi, I’m Kerrie, and I’m proud to be Summa’s employer. She’s a student at St Margaret Mary’s College in Townsville and a much-loved member of our team at White’s Corner Store. Summa brings joy to our staff and customers alike—but right now, she’s facing the toughest battle of her life, for the second time.

Summa is a 15 yr old local Townsville teen and this is her story:

On the 13th September 2019, at just 9 years old, Summa was diagnosed with B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. She faced a relentless battle that lasted over two years, including much of her treatment occurring in Brisbane, away from family, friends, school, cheerleading, pets and her comfy bed- everything that was important to her, and during the isolation of COVID-19. The saddest time for Summa was losing her beautiful long hair. Not once, not twice, but 3 times. Her long hair was part of her identity. It took about 2.5 years after treatment had ended on 26/11/2021 for Summa to find her ‘new’ self. Braver, stronger, fiercer, empathetic, compassionate- not just as a survivor but ready to truly live life. With more determination than ever, Summa got her life back- her sports, her much loved job, her friends, her school, even becoming a School Leader and playing for Oztag State Cup Rep.

April 2024, Summa had her usual 6 month appointment with her Brisbane Oncology Team. She had been in and out of the Drs for the past 6 month with bone pain, fatigue, nausea, and temperatures. Test after test until an MRI on one of her sore knees showed Bone Marrow Abnormality. More and more tests until finally on the 17th April 2025 there it was. Blasts in her blood. 3.5 years in remission she relapsed into the same Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia for the 2nd time. At 15 years old, Summa has been forced to leave behind her life, a life she had worked so hard to rebuild, an identity that she fears will be lost…again. Summa flew by Royal Flying Doctor Service to Brisbane to commence treatment. The first week was tough. On day 2 of Chemotherapy, Summa was rushed into Paeds ICU with Tumour Lysis Syndrome and kidney failure resulting in emergency surgery and days on dialysis because her kidney’s couldn’t keep up with toxins being released into her bloodstream. 5 days later, Summa was back in the Oncology Ward, ready to continue treatment. Summa’s blood work has still not recovered and so far, has had 3 whole blood transfusions, 12 bags of platelets and 2 bags of plasma.

Summa is currently battling Mucusitis, an E.coli and Fungal infection and Typhlitis which are extremely serious for someone with no immunity. Whilst Summa is receiving chemotherapy and treatment for the infections, she is on ‘Gut Rest’- Nil by Mouth, with the only nutrition provided by IV. She has already endured a bone marrow aspiration, 2 Lumbar Punctures and a 2nd emergency surgery to remove her PICC line access due to the fungal infection. She has more to come. With Summa’s cancer and treatment journey so unknown, sister has undergone tissue typing, in preparation for a possible Bone Marrow Transplant if Re-induction fails. A Bone Marrow Aspiration on day 29 will determine the outcome. Summa has already faced a difficult month in the hospital, with more challenges ahead. And this is only the beginning of her 2nd fight.

We want to ease some of the burden for Summa and her incredible family. Donations will go directly to:

• Medical and treatment-related costs

• Pharmaceutical and allied health expenses

• Flights for her immediate family

• Everyday costs to keep life as stable as possible during this uncertain time

Summa is a fighter. A warrior. A survivor. She’s already shown what courage looks like—and now she needs her community more than ever.

Please help us support Summa and her family as they face this devastating challenge a second time. Every donation, no matter how small, makes a difference.

Let’s show Summa she’s not alone.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

— Kerrie & the team at White’s Corner Store.