Not long ago, Maxine was a busy little girl in daycare who loved being outdoors, spending time with animals and making people smile.
Then her mom, Megan, noticed something was not right. Maxine’s belly hurt, she had occasional fevers, and was eating less — but it was not until her stomach began to swell that Megan, a community nurse, knew she needed answers.
The answer changed everything: Maxine had a large tumour on her kidney. Her family soon learned she had stage 4 Wilms tumour and would need months of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation.
For Megan and Mike, life became hospital visits, treatment schedules, and the work of keeping their little girl feeling safe while everything around her changed.
At Children’s Hospital, Maxine found more than medical care — she found people who became part of her world. There was Emily from Child Life, by her side through daily radiation, and Timmy, the therapy black Lab, curled up with her while she recovered from sedation. When Maxine was in the Paediatric Critical Care Unit after surgery, desperately wanting to go home, Ollie the therapeutic clown and Mark the aide came to bring a smile to her face.
For a child facing cancer, those moments matter. The team helps turn a frightening place into one where she feels known, supported, and safe.
In November 2025, right before her 4th birthday, Maxine ended her 35-week treatment of chemotherapy, radiation, and kidney removal. For the first time in many months, her family celebrated Christmas at home.
“It feels like we can finally start making plans again,” Megan says.
In a few weeks, you will receive Megan’s letter explaining why your support gives hope a place to live at Children’s Hospital.
