POLICE MAKE ALANA’S DREAM COME TRUE
WHEN six-year-old Alana Cassells was diagnosed with leukaemia two years ago, her hopes of normality seemed dashed.
But after being given the all-clear by doctors as of late January this year, Alana is finally one step closer to realising her dream of becoming a police officer.
Yesterday the acutelymphoblastic leukaemia survivor took a tour of the PolAir helicopter on the Gold Coast with younger sister Madison, 5, before heading to Beenleigh to visit the K9 and mounted police units and QPS motorbikes and highway patrol cars.
Mother Sarah Cassells said her daughter had also fought through a subsequent stroke when she first started chemotherapy.
“She slowly came back and regained movement back (in her right side),” she said.
“She’s such a brave little girl ... she’s very bubbly.
“But you constantly hear of kids relapsing. We live in constant fear that could happen to her as well.”
Jayson Cassells, Alana’s father, said if she joined the police force, she would be following a family tradition. His sister and mother were also members of the Queensland police.
Senior Sergeant Stewart Day said when he and Sergeant Damien Kellett heard about Alana’s case about a month ago, officers jumped on board to make a visit happen.
“(Mr Cassells) approached us and said how much Alana wants to become a police officer. She’s been going through a tough time,” he said.
“It’s very nice a young child is interested in the force. We’re very humbled.”
Alana will continue to be tested by doctors every six weeks.