December 19th 2024.
This holiday season, Toby's family is facing a Christmas like no other. Nikki Knight, a blogger and mother of two, noticed her four-year-old son Toby was feeling fatigued and had a fever. With her husband Ollie recently recovering from Covid, they assumed that Toby may have caught the virus as well. But as Toby's health continued to decline, Nikki became increasingly worried.
Her once energetic son, who loved dinosaurs and playing with his older sister Sophie, now 12, was falling asleep at preschool and developed a rash that wouldn't go away. Nikki, 39, took Toby to the hospital, only to receive the devastating news that he had leukemia. With the holiday season in full swing, Toby will be spending Christmas Day in isolation at Great Ormond Street Hospital, undergoing grueling treatment.
It all started in 2021, on New Year's Eve, when Toby's parents noticed he wasn't feeling well. At first, they suspected it was Covid, but as his condition didn't improve, Nikki grew concerned. It wasn't until February when Toby had to be sent home from nursery with a temperature and a rash that Nikki realized something was seriously wrong.
At the hospital, Nikki was alone when she received the news that no parent ever wants to hear. The doctor's faces said it all - Toby had leukemia. Nikki's heart sank, and she was overcome with emotions. How could this be happening to her little boy, who was only four years old? She couldn't believe it.
As Toby began his intensive chemotherapy, Nikki and her family had to make adjustments to their lives. With strict Covid restrictions in place, only one parent was allowed to be with Toby at the hospital. Nikki and Ollie took turns being with him, while Sophie stayed at home with family. Despite the challenges, Toby handled his treatment remarkably well and was able to start school with his peers in September 2022.
The family was able to enjoy two Christmases at home, surrounded by their loved ones, before Toby rang the bell signifying the end of his treatment on Mother's Day 2024. They were excited to start rebuilding their lives and even went on a trip to Disneyland Paris and Butlins in Bognor Regis, free from medications and worry.
However, their happiness was short-lived when they noticed lumps on Toby's head upon their return home. After undergoing tests, it was confirmed that Toby's leukemia had returned, and he would need to undergo treatment once again.
This time, Toby is more aware of his illness, and at the age of six, he understands what cancer means. His family is doing everything they can to make his treatment as comfortable as possible, including celebrating his birthday and making special memories before he begins the next phase of his cancer journey.
Unfortunately, this means that Toby will be spending Christmas in the hospital, isolated and away from his family. As his immune system will be compromised due to the treatment, Nikki and Ollie will have to take turns being with him, while Sophie stays at home. The family has already put up their Christmas decorations, and they won't be taking them down until Toby comes home in February. They've made arrangements to celebrate Christmas when Toby returns, and they'll even have a virtual celebration with Ollie and Sophie on the day.
Nikki urges others to reach out to those who may be going through a tough time this holiday season. She knows firsthand the impact that a simple act of kindness can have on someone's life. As Toby battles leukemia once again, the family is hopeful that this will be the end of his treatment, but they know it will take time for him to fully recover.
As we approach Christmas, let's take a moment to think of those who may be facing a difficult time and reach out to them. A small gesture can make a big difference in someone's life.
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