Hope for a healthy future
Having survived a months-long chemotherapy course and major surgery, Maia Zann-roland will soon enjoy her dream holiday in the sun
TRURO, N.S. – Maia ZannRoland needed every reason to live as she fought bone cancer in hospital.
Her big wish was to cruise the Caribbean with her nearest and dearest.
Now, her dream is coming through thanks to the Children’s Wish Foundation, who let Zann-roland lead the way during their fundraising Wishmaker Walk in Truro, Saturday.
“It was a terribly difficult year, your worst nightmare as a parent, but the IWK were phenomenal and we felt we had the care and support from our community, friends and family,” said Maia’s mother, Tamara.
Maia was first diagnosed with a bone cancer in her leg last December. At first, she thought it was an injury resulting from her gymnastics training.
However, it turned out to be a tumour on her bone that required about eight months of chemotherapy and major surgery. Twenty-four centimetres of bone was removed from Maia’s femur and a fibular graft was used to replace it.
She finally finished treatment Aug. 18, ringing the bell at the IWK to signify the end of her gruelling cancer journey.
Today, Maia still wears a brace on her right leg, but is back in gymnastics class and attending school at Cobequid Educational Centre.
She also coaches fellow gymnasts for five hours a week. Maiad’s gymnast friends joined her on the Children’s Wish Foundation walk, helping her carry the banner.
“I feel very excited about the cruise coming up and being with my friends and family,” said Maia, 15.
Her Caribbean vacation is booked for Feb. 29.
Looking ahead, Maia says she wants to work in health care.
Her advice to other teens facing a cancer diagnosis was simple.
“Keep thinking towards the future and stay positive,."
Event organizer Lloyd Berliner was pleased to see children and youth like Maia step up for the Children’s Wish Foundation.
“What’s great is when you see wish children who are taking part in this organization and this event, giving back to the organization that assisted them,” said Berliner.
The Children’s Wish Foundation says fundraising efforts like the Truro walk help them grant more than 1,000 wishes a year to youngsters facing serious or life-threatening illnesses. Wishes granted include everything from trips to Disneyland to meeting Mary Poppins.