A celebration took place recently in the Waikids Daystay Unit at Waikato Hospital as 9-year-old Grace Laurence became the first patient to ring the new milestone bell, marking the end of her cancer treatment.
This moment was shared by her parents Zoë and Scott, who farm at Te Puninga, and supported by staff who lined the corridor to celebrate Grace as she gently rang the bell.
Although a little shy at first, Grace lit up as the bell chimed, later describing the experience as “a very special, cool thing to do.” For Grace and her whānau, the sound of the bell symbolised the end of a long and difficult chapter.
About 30 children receiving active cancer treatment through Waikids and over 100 are being monitored post treatment.
Paediatric Oncology clinical nurse specialist Danielle Polyblank-Finn says the installation of the milestone bell marks a meaningful development for the Waikids oncology team.
Grace Laurence rings the new Waikids Milestone Bell watched by her mother Zoë.
“There are lots of different oncology services around the world where kids get to ring the bell at the end of their treatment.”
Several years ago, discussions began around how best to commemorate and celebrate tamariki and rangatahi who complete their oncology journeys. While many oncology centres internationally had adopted the tradition of end-of-treatment bells, there were some concerns locally, particularly about ensuring the gesture was inclusive and achievable for all patients. As a result, the idea was set aside.
Last year, the concept was revisited in collaboration with the Child Cancer Foundation. Andrea Lane, Family Support Team Leader for the North/Central region, introduced the team to a treatment bell installed in Whangārei Hospital, accompanied by a poem by Jane Brady.
This version of the milestone bell resonated with the Waikids team, as it was not only used to mark the end of treatment but also celebrated many milestones throughout a patient’s journey.
Thanks to the support of the Child Cancer Foundation, the milestone bell has now been installed in the Daystay Unit, says Danielle.
“It is there to be rung by patients to acknowledge personal milestones – whether completing a chemotherapy cycle, receiving scan results, undergoing a challenging procedure, celebrating a birthday, or reaching the end of treatment.
“Our tamariki and their whānau, alongside their team, will be able to pick milestones along their journey to celebrate and mark.
She told Grace ringing the bell for the first time for her and the team carried a powerful message “not only your bravery, but also the collective efforts of everyone supporting our tamariki and their families”.
“It was a moment that marked much more than the end of treatment. It was an opportunity to reflect on all that’s been overcome and a symbol of strength and support to help children and their families keep aiming for the treasure that they seek and value,” says Danielle.
“Above all, it is a reminder that each child’s path is unique, and every milestone along the way deserves to be honoured.”
