Honey's Story (North Ryde, Sydney)

In 2006, three and a half year old Honey became the face of Gold Week whilst she was being treated for a Wilms Tumour at the Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick.

A routine ultrasound revealed that Honey had a tumour that took up 80% of her left kidney. She was immediately admitted to the oncology ward at the Hospital's Centre for Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders.

“Honey wasn't in any pain and she looked perfectly normal. It was hard to comprehend that this was happening to our little girl,” said Eli, Honey's mum.

Luckily the cancer had not spread to other parts of her body, however, the tumour was fast growing and doctors had to act quickly. Two days after diagnosis, Honey had major surgery to remove her kidney. She also underwent six sessions of radiotherapy and six months of chemotherapy, to ensure that the cancer had been eliminated.

Honey is now back at home and will turn five in September. Eli is happy to report that Honey is doing extremely well and is enjoying ballet and gymnastics classes. She also loves going to pre-school three days a week.

“Doctors at the Hospital continue to monitor Honey through scans every six weeks to make sure she remains all clear,” said Eli, “and she will continue to have scans every three months until she is seven years old.”

“As a parent you hope that you will never have to see the inside of a children's hospital, but I am so grateful to Sydney Children's Hospital for supporting us all and helping Honey get better and remain healthy,” said Eli.

Gold Week will be helping children like Honey who come from all corners of NSW and beyond to be treated at Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick.