Never lose hope!

Tala is only five but she has experienced more health issues than most people have to in a lifetime. To make matters worse, she now has to watch her mum Melody go through something similar. Despite it all, the pair’s new mantra is ‘never lose hope’ – which is something Satan’s Little Helper is only too happy to support.

Tala has been through a lot in her short life. In June 2023, she was diagnosed with brain cancer and, just a year later, with Global Development Delay (a term used when a child is significantly delayed in multiple areas of development). Then, at the end of 2024, doctors discovered nerve damage in Tala’s right eye.

“It’s been a really difficult journey,” says Melody. “Tala has overcome several brain surgeries, as well as radiation and chemotherapy, which made her really sick – including high frequency hearing loss in both ears!”

New challenges arise

Tala’s cancer treatment is thankfully over – but Melody says their new challenge is managing her emotional and behavioral regulation. “We’re working on Tala’s management of her emotions and how to self-regulate when she gets overwhelmed, which is essential for her as she grows up.”

To help her, Tala is seeing an occupational therapist and psychologist, as well as a speech therapist and dietician due to some speech delay and not eating well.

Despite it all, Tala has hit some significant milestones  – such as her first day at preschool.

“She’ll go there until she’s six years old, because she needs early intervention schooling,” explains Melody.  “We hope that will help get her ready for regular school.

“She loves it and is getting better at interacting with her peers – as well as learning new words!”

A reason to play outside

When not at school or visiting medical professionals, Tala loves to play outside and Satan’s Little Helper jumped at the chance to encourage that! So, we sent her a mud kitchen just in time for Christmas!

“She loves playing with it and using it to cook up delicious meals of rocks and sand,” laughs Melody. “It’s been a great way to help her manage her emotions, too, because we now have a way for her to express herself.”

“It’s also given the opportunity for her to spend time with her younger brother. She’s super happy – and seeing them enjoy themselves together is wonderful for me as well.”

Never lose hope

While Tala is on the road to recovery from cancer, Melody is sadly just starting her own. She was recently diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma, an uncommon cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and glands spread throughout your body. Though relatively aggressive, it's also one of the most easily treated types of cancer.

“I’m starting my treatment ASAP,”  says Melody. “I’m okay with it. Life can be challenging at times but the key thing for me is to never lose hope.”