Cancer is never an easy topic to talk about, but childhood cancer adds another level of complexity when trying to teach others about it. When asked what she would like others to know about childhood cancer, Lisa Lombardi wishes that people were more open and willing to learn about it: “You do not hear much about [childhood cancer] because nobody wants to talk about it and it’s uncomfortable for people who don’t know what it’s like.”
As a parent to Chloe, who was diagnosed with a rare form of white blood cell cancer, Lisa is able to identify every hospital stay, test, and procedure that Chloe underwent once being admitted into the hospital in March of 2021. Once Chloe was diagnosed, both her and Lisa were in the hospital for months at a time for treatment and the recurring side effects that followed. It was a difficult adjustment for the entire family as her stepdad, Travis, had to stay at home to look after her baby brother, Brett, and sister, Jenna, during the pandemic for remote learning. Although Chloe will officially be in remission as of April 14, 2023, Lisa says that it has been hard to be social and get back to a normal life. Throughout Chloe’s treatment, both Lisa and Travis found it was difficult to relate to others who did not understand their situation and have fallen out of touch with friends and even some family members as a result: “People do not realize that the years pass but your entire life stops.”
During treatment, Chloe received a bead for every hospital stay, needle, and procedure that she experienced throughout treatment, amassing 2,396 Beads of Courage, which are meant to bestow honour and express caring, from the Beads of Courage organization. Although Chloe’s beads are a tangible representation of her bravery and strength, the string of beads also represents a thread of “support and connection for those affected by their loved one’s diagnosis.” To Chloe and her family, the beads are a symbol for the many healthcare professionals that not only provided medical support but were also like family to them throughout treatment. It’s clear that the friendships that were created from the medical community and cancer support groups will stay with Chloe and her family forever.
Read more about Chloe and her story on the Cedarbrae community blog titled ‘Cedarbrae Cares!’
Join us for our first Community Carnival: Cedarbrae Celebrates Chloe, on June 3, 2023 from 12:00 to 4:00 pm.
Click here to the Cedarbrae Community News home page for the latest Cedarbrae community updates.
