Townsville tot gets the all-clear
AFTER spending 50 per cent of her life in and out of hospital, Layla Hall has finally rung the bell at the Children’s Day Oncology Unit at Townsville University Hospital.
Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) when she was 16 months old, it was the start of a long journey for the little battler. Layla’s mum, Devon Hall, said when Layla got sick with pneumonia and a nasty nappy rash that wouldn’t heal, blood tests confirmed she had ALL. The family was living in Melbourne at the time.
“We lived in The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne for one month while they sorted out her chemotherapy, and after that, it was eight months of intense chemotherapy and a further 18 months of maintenance chemotherapy,” Ms Hall said.
“We moved to Townsville not long after and have received treatment here, and the staff have been amazing; you can see that they have a beautiful nature and always put the kids first.”
Ms Hall said when they were in hospital in Melbourne, they saw other children ringing the bell to signify the end of their treatment and Layla’s family couldn’t wait until it was her turn.
“We are excited that Layla is in remission and it will be a surreal feeling to finally be that family who ring the bell,” Ms Hall said.
Acting clinical nurse consultant Jessica Loveday said she was blown away by Layla’s strength.
“She’s this beautiful three-yearold girl with a cheeky smile so big you’d never know she was battling through a health journey,” Ms Loveday said.
“It doesn’t matter what she comes into hospital for, she’s always got a smile on her face and she has successfully melted the hearts of all staff who have looked after her.”