At just 7 years old, Winchester Rural School pupil Grace Quinlan has already endured more than most adults ever will.
After a two-year battle with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (October 2023 to December 2025), Grace finally rang the bell at the Children’s Haematology Oncology Centre at Christchurch Hospital just before Christmas to mark the end of her treatment journey.
Now, as she slowly rebuilds her strength, immunity and confidence at school, she is preparing for another milestone moment — attending her first formal gala ball.
After countless hospital stays, rounds of chemotherapy and months away from the normality of childhood, Grace is stepping out as ambassador for the Child Cancer Foundation’s 20th annual Sparkle for Hope Ball.
Grace will join mother Kaye and father Liam on stage at the brand new Te Pae Convention Centre in Christchurch on Saturday, to share their family’s journey and the lifechanging support they received from the foundation during their family’s darkest days.
For the Quinlan family, including Grace’s younger brothers Axel, 4, and Millie, 1, the Child Cancer Foundation became a lifeline from diagnosis.
While Grace has now finished treatment, the journey is far from over.
Her immune system is still rebuilding, meaning she must wait months before receiving vaccinations again, and even exposure to common illnesses like chickenpox could still land her in hospital.
The Quinlan family continues regular trips to Christchurch for blood tests and outpatient appointments as Grace manages lingering side-effects from treatment.
Mrs Quinlan said that despite the challenges, Grace was slowly reclaiming her childhood.
“Our main goal this year was just getting Grace back to school consistently.
“Last year she would miss weeks at a time through winter sickness.
“Now she’s back enjoying Jump Jam, she did cross country and did amazingly well, and she’s just loving being around her friends again.”
Grace was already planning her future too, with swimming lessons and karate hopefully back on the cards for 2027.
The journey with Grace had shown the family how precious every moment was, Mrs Quinlan said.
“Nothing is guaranteed, so we try to make the most of every day together.
“At the same time, we want Grace to just be a child again, without carrying fear of illness into her future.”
Meanwhile, Grace was most excited about one thing — her “sparkly dress” for the ball.
For 20 years, the Sparkle for Hope Ball has brought together generous corporates, supporters and community leaders to raise vital funds for children with cancer and their families.
Funds raised through the Sparkle for Hope Ball go towards helping the Child Cancer Foundation continue to walk alongside more than 1500 families nationwide, providing counselling, fuel vouchers, accommodation support, peer connection, family support co-ordinators, respite opportunities and practical assistance during the toughest times of their lives.
Receiving no direct government funding, the foundation relies entirely on the generosity of New Zealanders to continue supporting families facing childhood cancer — ensuring no child or whānau faces the journey alone. — Allied Media
