Meet Alicia

The Remarkable Healing Journey of Alicia

“We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves, or more deeply engrossed in anything than when we are playing.” – Charles Schaefer

The devastating news that her seven-year-old daughter had a tumour on the right side of her brain came after little Alicia had undergone an MRI and numerous tests at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.

But mom, Koelsum, had concerns about her daughter’s health from the very first months of Alicia’s life.  Breathing problems and a blocked nose seemed to be the only symptoms for a while, but Koelsum had a knawing feeling that something wasn’t right. A mother’s intuition is a powerful tool, and Koelsum took her daughter to her local clinic when she felt that deep concern surfacing. The clinic referred her to a doctor at her local day hospital and he scheduled a visit for little Alicia at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. It was here that extensive tests were done to confirm that she was having seizures, even though it seemed undetectable to her mom. Further investigation and an MRI picked up a mass growing on the right side of her brain. Koelsum remembers thinking that this all had to be a horrible dream that she would wake up from very soon. However, she was confident that her daughter was in safe hands. Finding the tumour on her brain was the start of her child’s healing.

The doctors at the Children’s Hospital sat her down to explain what needed to be done. Alicia’s brain was struggling to work, because the tumour was so extensive that it had taken over the one side of her brain. It had to be removed. Having the right side of her brain removed was going to be part of her healing process. Koelsum had complete trust in her daughter’s medical team. They had explained everything to her. They had done every conceivable test. They knew what to do and when to do it. Koelsum knew how risky the surgery would be because the medical team had prepared her. They would do the most they could and the best they could. As one of the world’s leading children’s hospitals, Koelsum trusted the team completely. The surgery would be a steady, but delicate procedure and the doctors promised to do everything to ensure the best possible outcome.

Alicia smiles. She is 14 now and happy. She has dreams and friends and hopes for a future filled with excitement and inspiration. She wants to be a veterinarian. Her heart is as big as the sky, and her smile is brighter than the sun. She is kind and good and beautiful. She’s learning to play the guitar, and she writes lyrics for songs she’s still a little too shy to sing. Her gentle spirit anchors her enthusiasm as she speaks of dreams of travel and adventure.

There is still a small part of the tumour that could not be removed for fear of permanent paralysis. After her operation she struggled to walk again. With healing hands of a physiotherapist who used unique play orientated tactics along with consistent practice, she was successful in regaining her strength, and her brain was able to make all the right connections.   

Play is one of the most significant things any child could do. Through play, they develop critical physical, cognitive, social, and emotional skills. Children learn how to engage with each other and their environment and most importantly for the little ones at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital (RCWMCH) where through various tools and play tactics, playing helps speed up their healing.

“She’s a fighter,” Koelsum says. Her face glows with gratitude as she glances at Alicia. Alicia fought to attend a mainstream school and is absolutely thriving. She has a friendship circle that gives her a strong sense of belonging. Her dream is to inspire others.  That’s why she writes those lyrics. We’re already inspired!

Children like Alicia visit the Hospital daily, and each of them has a dream and when you donate, 100% of your donation directly goes towards the building of a new Therapeutic Playground.

Our dream is to see them well enough to make those dreams come true. What’s your dream?

DONATE TODAY!