Ally

Ally is a 6 year old who was first seen at Muhimbili National Hospital in August 2021 with complaints of recurrent fevers, gum bleeding, facial and lower limb swelling and generalized lymphnodes swelling. He was also pale, tired and had a headache that wouldn’t go away.

Through TLM’s National Childhood Cancer Network (NCCN) referral and transport team, Ally was admitted at the oncology ward at Muhimbili National Hospital. He had several investigations many supported by TLM, and was diagnosed to have ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA (Blood cancer). It was also very obvious that poor Ally was also very malnourished. One of our tests revealed a further complication which he must have silently picked up from a previous infection – Ally had a damaged heart from Rheumatic heart disease. It was a devastating news for the family especially a mother who was taking care of him at the hospital to find out that his son had blood cancer and heart problems and that he will undergo intense treatment for about 3yrs. This further complicated his treatment as some of the standard chemotherapy for his leukaemia was not possible to give as it could further weaken his heart – so the team had to be creative and substitute alternative medications. But it was great that this issue was picked up at the very beginning thanks to the thoroughness of the care provided.

Ally is now doing great – his leukaemia is in remission and in October 2024 he finished his 3 year-long slog of chemotherapy. He recovered nutritionally within a few weeks of his initial treatment thanks to all the nutritious and yummy food and supplemental therapeutic snacks TLM provides all our young patients. And our cardiac colleagues are keeping a very close eye on his heart for us. He may need surgery in the future but for now his heart is in good shape.

Through TLM’s social programs, the clown doctors and teachers significantly helped with Ally’s therapeutic recovery. It was very important to him to continue his schooling throughout his treatment and we were able to help with this through our school programme. He is now a very happy healthy child and continuing with school, and in December 2024 he finished first in class and best student. Our children really are the most extraordinary inspirational young people on the planet.

Ally’s story highlights resilience, the importance of support, and the power of hope. It’s a reminder to children that even in the toughest moments, they can be heroes in their own lives and to those who are so proud to care for them.