Every push towards new innovations in cancer care means more chances for survivorship.
With an overall survivorship of 80% for childhood cancer, sick kids at Children’s Hospital become empowered adults – like paediatric oncology nurses Kaeleigh and Kaitlyn.
Kaeleigh Wightman
Q: How old were you when you were diagnosed with cancer? 
I was 13 when I was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma – an aggressive bone cancer. My primary doctors were Dr. Jardine and Dr. Cairney. The treatment was tough — it involved extensive chemotherapy and radiation because the tumor was inoperable. I missed all of high school being in treatment but finished at 16, and I’ve been monitored in the After Care Clinic ever since.
Q: Did you always want to be a nurse?
I never thought about becoming a nurse until I got sick. The care and support from my nurses and doctors were incredible. It inspired me to be a nurse so I could give back and help children going through the pain and uncertainty of cancer.
Q: How does being a cancer survivor make you a better nurse?
Remembering what it’s like to be in that kind of pain helps me provide better care. I can connect with the kids and reassure them that there is hope beyond treatment. I help provide the best care in active treatment and know they still receive leading-edge care in the After Care Clinic.
Q: What makes Children’s Hospital special for you as a staff member?
The sense of community and familiar faces make a huge difference. Many of the nurses who treated me still work here and it’s surreal being a part of the team that helped make me who I am today.
I love how being at Children’s means you see your young patients from start to finish. You help them throughout the journey and really get to know them and their families. It’s an incredible feeling to know them and give them hope.
Kaitlyn Earley
Q: Can you share your journey with cancer? 
I had my first Wilms Tumor, a rare kidney cancer, diagnosed when I was 3.5 years old. I don’t remember too much from that, but my relapse when I was 10 stands out. I could remember more of the treatment and feeling moody, but also laughing with Ollie the Therapeutic Clown and loving art therapy in my room. My third time at 17 was a bit different, it was a small tumor on my parotid gland, but it was a one-and-done surgery over March break.
Q: With three different occurrences of cancer, why did you choose to come back to Children’s as a nurse?
While it sounds a little odd to people, I really don’t have bad memories of my treatment. The hospital still feels like home. As a patient I got to play and explore and be myself, and all the nurses who took care of me inspired me! Being cared for by them helped me learn that nursing was what I wanted to do. Children’s cancer care is so special because kids are incredibly resilient, and I wanted to be a part of that world, helping them through their toughest times.
Q: How does your survivorship help your patients?
When it feels right, I share my story with patients and their families often. It helps them see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I remember what it felt like to go through treatments, and I use that empathy to connect with and reassure my patients. I find they feel more hopeful when they see someone like me, who’s been there.
Q: What’s it like working at the hospital where you were treated?
It feels like coming full circle. From sneaking snacks at the adult snack cart to convincing maintenance workers to paint a picture of my childhood dog, Buster, on the wall near the elevators (see photo), it’s a huge privilege to work with some of the nurses who once took care of me. It is surreal and fulfilling. It’s wonderful to be part of a place that offers such comprehensive care and be able to contribute to it.
Even in times as difficult as facing a cancer diagnosis, Kaeleigh and Kaitlyn felt inspired by their Children’s care teams. Their unique journey from patient to care provider helps make them exceptional nurses.
The best care at Children’s Hospital gives our kids the chance at a better future! With survivorship continuing to grow, our kids could even care for the next generation – the way Kaitlyn and Kaeleigh do!
