For 17-year-old Tia, the words “welcoming,” “fun,” and “community” perfectly capture her experience with Livewire, an essential part of her life during her ongoing battle with Osteosarcoma, a bone cancer she was diagnosed with at just 12 years old.
Tia’s teenage years have been defined by multiple hospital stays, surgeries, and painful treatments. Her world, which should have been filled with school dances, friends, and normal teenage milestones, came to a halt when she was diagnosed. “When I first got sick, my whole world came to a stop. I hadn’t even finished my first year of high school and suddenly I’m in hospital having cancer treatment,” Tia shared.
Her diagnosis changed not only her life but the lives of her family as well. “Tia’s diagnosis threw us a curve ball,” said her mum, Keiko. “We had no idea of the challenges that were waiting for us. We felt broken and terrified but knew that we needed to stay strong for Tia.” Over the years, Tia has suffered relapses, faced repeated hospitalizations, and had to relearn how to walk after each treatment, all while coping with exhaustion, pain, and the emotional toll of losing her hair multiple times due to treatment.
The hardest part for Tia has been the ongoing uncertainty and adjusting to her “new normal.” She missed most of her high school life and now faces restrictions on everyday activities like what she can eat and where she can travel. “I went from having a set routine to never really knowing what could happen next. I also feel a sense of sadness for the life I used to have or the life I could have had,” she explained.
However, through the struggles, Tia found a source of strength and comfort in Livewire, a program designed to create positive experiences for young people in hospital. “Livewire has helped me have a small escape from the boredom of hospital life,” Tia said. “I love being creative and sociable, and Livewire has given me so many opportunities to have fun and be creative. Over the years, I have joined in lots of different games and activities like painting, crochet, and other random crafts!”
Livewire’s approach is centered around creating moments of joy, and for Tia, it’s become an essential part of her hospital experience. The Livewire team brings a sense of normalcy to her hospital stays, offering activities and conversations that allow her to focus on something other than her medical treatments. “Without Livewire, I’d feel like I had lost a bit of my creative spark. There wouldn’t be anything fun to help pass the time other than watching TV. With Livewire, hospital life is now filled with fun and creativity, and sometimes even a surprise craft goody bag!” she said.
For Tia’s family, the impact of Livewire goes beyond just providing entertainment during long hospital stays. Keiko, Tia’s mum, has witnessed the positive effects of Livewire on her daughter’s mental well-being. “Whenever Tia is feeling sick, tired, and miserable, the Livewire team lifts her spirits by playing games, quizzes, or just chatting. It would otherwise be very daunting just focusing on the medical stuff,” Keiko explained.
The Livewire team’s ability to connect with Tia and make her feel like she’s part of a community has been a huge source of comfort for her. “The great thing about Livewire is the people. They truly love what they do and never make you feel out of place or ‘not normal.’ They’re so welcoming and are always ready for a chat,” Tia said.
Tia’s mum, Keiko, laughed as she shared that both she and Tia love doing some of the Livewire craft activities together. It’s these shared moments that bring the family closer despite the difficult circumstances. “We’ve been on a very turbulent journey, so we try to focus on everyday moments and appreciating the small things,” Keiko said. “Tia has shown incredible strength throughout and is an inspiring and remarkable person.”
As Tia continues her treatment, which still requires frequent visits to the hospital, Livewire has played an invaluable role in helping her cope. “Your generous contributions have been truly meaningful to Tia and our family, helping us cope with life in hospital. Thank you,” Keiko said, expressing her gratitude to Starlight supporters who make Livewire possible.
Tia’s journey with Osteosarcoma has not been easy, but through it all, she has found resilience, creativity, and joy. Her experience with Livewire has made hospital stays a little brighter and more bearable, offering her moments of happiness amidst the medical challenges. As she continues to face the uncertainties of her treatment, Tia remains optimistic and determined, knowing that she is not alone in her fight. Livewire has provided her with a sense of community, something so crucial for a young person going through such a difficult experience.
Through the support of Livewire, Tia has discovered not just creative outlets, but a renewed sense of connection and purpose. And while her journey is far from over, she faces each day with courage, knowing that even in the darkest moments, there is always light and support to help her through.
