Support for teen's recovery and family

JO RICHARDS

At 16 years old, Joy Wells should be enjoying life at Collingwood Area School and having fun with family and friends in Golden Bay.

But instead, she is in Christchurch undergoing lifesaving treatment after being diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

While the hammerblow diagnosis has turned family life upside down and inside out, Joy’s father Keith Langford explained that his daughter is now “getting the care she needs” at the Child Haematology and Oncology Centre (CHOC) in Christchurch, one of two specialist treatment centres for childhood cancer in New Zealand. “She’s technically an outpatient and has treatment three days a week.” Asked how Joy is coping with the situation, Keith replied, “She has her good days and bad days, but in herself, she’s pretty good.”

While Joy is in Christchurch, she and her mother Kristal are staying in Ronald McDonald House, which provides free accommodation and support to families with children in need of hospital care. Joy’s complete treatment plan is expected to take between two-and-a-half to three years, but she will, according to Keith, spend time at home, while making regular visits to Christchurch and Nelson.

In addition to the stress and anxiety caused, there are practical worries for families affected by serious illness, including the costs of travel and time off work. The people of Golden Bay, however, have rallied to shoulder some of the burden, and Keith – a stalwart of the community –is clearly bowled over by the response. “The outpouring of

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“It is going to be a soul-feeding evening for sure,” says support is mind-blowing. It just proves there are good people in the world.”

That support includes offers to milk Keith’s cows, running a fundraising raffle, and setting up a Givealittle appeal. Collingwood Rugby Club are organising the raffle, with prizes donated by NBS that include signed Tasman Mako jerseys, plus tickets to see the Makos in action next month.

Keith is showing support for his daughter in many ways, but one will be particularly visible.

“I made Joy a promise that when she loses her hair from the chemo, I’ll lose mine,” he says. “So, I’ve booked an appointment this week to get my head shaved.”

Making a contribution:

Givealittle Fight for Joy appeal is at: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/fight-for-joylangford?ref=home&ref_code=trending.

Rugby Club raffle: Tickets $5. Text 027 209 0665 to purchase. Winners announced on 27 July, unless all tickets are sold prior.