<div>Towards the end of the year I am hosting a Charity ball in honour of my late baby boy Elijah to raise as much money as I can for a charity that I hold so close to my heart, Candlelighters. Below I am going to try to explain the best I can why this charity is so important to me and what they have done for my family and I.
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<div>In June 2018 I found out that I was pregnant, not just with one baby but with two bundles of joy. On the 23rd December 2018 I gave birth to two beautiful identical twin boys, named Emre and Elijah. Our fairytale was cut short when a few weeks after birth I started noticing health problems. After countless amounts of doctors and hospital appointments Elijah had difficulty breathing and was rushed into Calderdale A&amp;E in April 2019. Later that evening, Emre too was admitted into hospital with exactly the same issues. After a week of no improvements Elijah’s health was declining rapidly. He was then rushed to Leeds General Infirmary where he was put on a life support machine. I can’t really tell you much about that time period as honestly it felt like I was in a bad blurry dream. Lots of blood tests were taken and within 48 hours we had a diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. Emre was transported to Leeds for further testing. Within 48 hours it was confirmed, Emre too had cancer.
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<div>From there we were on a journey that I didn't know if I had the strength for. My two boys were not even 5 months old yet and they had one of the worst diseases they could have. After diagnosis I struggle to put into words what life was like for me, my partner and the twins. It was months of highs and lows, laughs and tears as we tried to give the boys the best life possible in the circumstances we were in.
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<div>The boys then reached six months. As a family, we were informed to be prepared to lose Emre as the cancer had spread into his brain and spinal fluid. The only thing that could save his life would be a stem cell transplant. Elijah was requested to have one too so both the boys were sent to a contained unit and for the first time in their lives, they had to be separated. After months of battles, vomiting, not eating, operations, countless amounts of blood and platelet transfusions we found out Elijah’s cancer had relapsed. He was passing away and there was nothing we could do about it. Sadly, Elijah lost his battle at 10 months old. It was and still continues to be extremely difficult to process. Especially at the time we were worrying about Emre’s health as he was going through his third round of chemotherapy. We didn't know if we were going to lose both of our boys but thankfully, Emre has and continues to be in remission and is now 5 years old.
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<div>Even though I know this message highlights a really sad story, I promise in the hospital we did have some of the most wholesome fulfilling moments. Moments that I continue to treasure to this day. Some of the memories I hold and cherish forever are down to one wonderful charity named Candlelighters.
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<div>Candlelighters offered us a place to stay so we could wash our clothes and cook dinner. This meant we never had to go home, we could just live across the road. They provided counselling sessions for members of the family to talk through their trauma and make sure they aren't facing their problems alone. They also provided families with massage therapy and on some days some hairdressers would come in and just wash our hair. Believe it or not, us mums were so grateful for that. It could be weeks before we got the chance to wash our hair. They provided parents with a sanction to just breathe and grab a hot drink or chocolate bar. They provide sick children with days out in the UK and even provide children with 2 UK holidays after they have completed their treatment. We managed to take Emre to Center Parcs and they even provided us with spending money! They had members of staff that came and played with the children and gave them the best, happiest time in hospital. They would come round with Easter eggs and Christmas presents so they could still have the most magical childhood that they deserved. In the worst case scenario like Elijah, they even funded some money to go towards his funeral. I could talk all day about how fantastic they are and the services they provide, they truly are amazing.
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<div>This year comes up to the 5th year anniversary of Elijah’s passing. This night of remembrance is so important for us to keep his memory alive whilst having the opportunity to help a charity that helps people get through the unthinkable.
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<div>This being said I would like to kindly ask if you could donate money towards our ball. Any donation small or large would mean the absolute world to us. It would help us pay for the things we need to get for the ball and whatever donations we have left will go straight towards the total funds raised at the end of the night.
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<div>Thank you for taking the time out to read our story. I appreciate it more than you could ever know.
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<div>Love from Nicole (Emre and Elijah’s Mummy)
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