Hi, it’s Dellanie – proud mummy to the bravest girl I know, Maya.

Maya turned 12 years old on 23rd July. A birthday is always special — but for Maya, this one meant so much more.

She’s spent the last two years fighting relapsed neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer. In fact, Maya was first diagnosed when she was just 3 years old and bravely fought through nearly two years of intense treatment. She then enjoyed 4 precious years of remission — until just five days after her 10th birthday, in July 2023, when we were hit with the heartbreaking news that her cancer had returned.

While other children her age were thinking about school trips and birthday parties, Maya was going through scans, long hospital stays, hair loss, and pain no child should have to bear. And yet, through it all, she’s shown nothing but courage, grace, and a smile that lights up even the darkest days.

As her Mummy, I can’t take away the pain or uncertainty — but with your help, we can create something magical for her.

This fundraiser was originally set up to help us get Maya a laptop — one of the few things she wished for as she begins secondary school (Year 7) this September. We set a modest goal of £500 to help her catch up on the learning she’s missed and stay connected to life beyond the hospital walls.

Addendum — A Change of Direction

What we didn’t anticipate was the incredible wave of love and support this GoFundMe would receive — and we are deeply moved and grateful.

Coincidentally, on Maya’s birthday (23rd July), she was at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton for her MIBG scan. Just two days later, on 25th July, we received devastating news: the cancer is back again. Maya now faces her fourth battle against neuroblastoma — this time a solitary solid tumour measuring 2.4 x 1.7 cm. This is her third relapse.

With this heart-breaking news, a new idea was born — something that’s bringing Maya a glimmer of hope and excitement: Maya’s Cabin.

A peaceful, magical space just for her — a place to house everything she loves: her big drum kit, dressing-up costumes, makeup, arts and crafts, Lego sets, toy kitchen, baby dolls, and everything that brings her joy. A space where she can just be Maya, away from tubes, scans, and pain.

With your continued support, this fundraiser will now go towards building Maya’s Cabin — a sanctuary of healing, creativity, and comfort.

If you’re reading this, thank you. Whether you’ve donated, shared, or simply held Maya in your thoughts — you are part of something truly special.

Let’s continue to wrap Maya in love and help make this next chapter just a little brighter.

With love and deepest gratitude,

Dellanie x

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