Message from New Zealand

Lieve Mensen,

We krijgen nog steeds veel mail via boekjevooranne@gmail.com   Soms zijn die berichten zo mooi en ontroerend dat we ze graag delen met jullie (na toestemming)  Dit bericht is van Brianna uit New Zealand. Zij organiseert daar een Leukaemia Awareness Day (LAD) Maar dit schreef ze voor een opdracht voor school:

Today at school we had to write about our heroes. I chose Anne  This is my story…

My Hero Anne

On May 30th 2005, at age 11, Anne was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. This form of leukaemia is very rare, especially in young children, it is a form of leukaemia that usually only appears in adults. When the leukaemia was found Anne had to have chemotherapy. Sure, she lost her hair, but that would never stop Anne from smiling. Anne had the most amazing smile and to me it is incredible that she always managed to keep that beautiful smile on her face. In September 2005 Anne had to undergo a stem cell transplant. During the transplant Anne was placed behind a glass wall and was unable to have skin contact with any other person, but it had a good result. Anne became better. She lived like she had never lived before. She went on holiday and made the most of her freedom, a freedom which she was denied whilst in hospital. But on July 27 2007, the leukaemia returned. This time the leukaemia was much stronger but Anne was still positive: “I will become better just like before,” she said. But the leukaemia was too big a battle for a little girl to fight. And on February 8th 2008 our angel Anne passed away in the arms of her brother Daan and her parents. Throughout Anne’s battle she was positive and always so happy. Anne fought extremely bravely and always lived by her motto ‘love is life and life is love’. Anne always talked about getting better as she was so sure she would. Anne is an amazing girl and has inspired me to live a life of love and positivity. And that is why Anne is my hero.

By Brianna Murphy