From the moment Poppy Grace entered the world, her bright spirit and profound strength captivated everyone around her. Named lovingly after her great grandparents, she brought immense joy and gratitude to us. We had dreamed of her arrival since 2012 and the IVF journey to her birth was long awaited and greatly appreciated. Poppy's early days, though challenging as she was born with low blood sugar and that required a strict feeding plan, were filled with love and the marvel of new parenthood.

 

Poppy's incredible presence was evident from an early age. Her smile was infectious, lighting up every room and heart she encountered. She smiled early and readily. She didn’t need much to be happy—a water bottle and a cap could entertain her for hours, and her choices in beloved toys often brought laughter and warmth to those around her. Poppy had a curious nature and an undeniable social intelligence, engaging everyone with her deep, accepting eye contact. Books and music were her sanctuaries. With a respect for stories that belied her young age, she cherished every book. Multiple stories were read to her daily and she pushed her books in front of her busy nurses too, urging them to read to her too. She could not get enough of her books. Her musical tastes were eclectic, from Harry Belafonte to Elton John, and her dance moves could lighten even the heaviest days.

 

Poppy's rhythm and love for life were undiminished by her health challenges; she showed a resilience and joy that inspired everyone she met. As Poppy grew, she faced significant health challenges with a spirit that seemed unbreakable. Her diagnosis came at just 11 weeks old, after signs of discomfort and an enlarged belly were observed, during a time clouded by the global uncertainty of COVID-19. Despite the numerous hospital visits, long stays, uncomfortable procedures, and the harsh reality of acute infant lymphoblastic leukemia treatment, Poppy’s indomitable spirit never waned. She continued to engage with life and people, enchanting her mums, family, nurses, the online community, and everyone else who encountered her with unyielding enthusiasm and love. She was optimistic through all adversity and her positive demeanour inspired people all over the world as they followed her difficult journey online. Living predominantly in hospital for 18 months, we found comfort and support in each of Poppy’s remarkable nurses, who became like family. We focused on cherishing every moment, fostering an environment of love and resilience and dancing through our days together. Poppy’s intuitive nature was a comfort during difficult times, as she would offer her love by wiping away tears or simply holding your hand.

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Her life, though heartbreakingly brief, was a testament to the incredible impact one small soul can have. Poppy taught us all the depth of love, the strength in adversity, and the joy of living in the moment. She connected with others on a profound level, her legacy living on in the lives she touched and the continued efforts to support children fighting cancer. Remembering Poppy’s fight, though challenging, is crucial so that we can help reach a future without childhood cancer. We are driven by a mission to carry forward her legacy.

 

The Poppy Grace Lifeblood Team, inspired by her journey, has saved thousands of lives through blood donations made in her honour. Poppy’s story is a rallying cry for all of us to rise up and support oncology children and their families. We invite you to join us in this cause, to donate to Children’s Cancer Institute, whose work was instrumental in giving Poppy months more life through their Zero Childhood Cancer program. Our goal is to spread awareness, and to help continue the fight Poppy fought so bravely. Together, we can ensure that her influence never fades, that her joy and resilience continue to inspire, and that her love keeps motivating us to do more for the many children like her who battle cancer every day. Let’s rise up for Poppy and all the brave children like her. Your support and small donation or purchase CAN change lives.

 

 

We thank you all wholeheartedly for your love and support and we know that together, we can keep Poppy’s remarkable spirit alive. Carly and Tresne Middleton Poppy Grace’s Mums