A Family Hanging on to Give Leah Rose the Carefree Childhood She Deserves

At an age where she should be on playgrounds and not chemo wards, two-year-old Leah Rose is facing a battle most adults can’t even fathom.

Nelspruit, South Africa (25 February 2026) – Leah Rose is only two years old. An age where her biggest worry should be which toy to hug at bedtime, but instead, she is fighting a very rare cancer that most adults would struggle to understand.

Leah was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer known as Blue Cell Tumour and later confirmed to be ARMS (Alveolar Rhabdomysarcoma).

Since then, this little warrior’s body has been enduring chemotherapy, her tiny veins carrying drugs no child should ever have to know. Her days are measured in blood counts, oxygen levels, and a pain her loved ones cannot put into words.

Leah’s grandmother, Lauren Kelly, recently opened up to us about this trying time that has sent the whole family into an entirely different world.

“At home, our world looks different now. Medical equipment sits where toys once did. This is not what two should look like,” a heartbroken Lauren says.

There have been countless trips between Nelspruit and Pretoria to the Steve Biko Academic Hospital for chemotherapy – long, exhausting journeys filled with quiet prayers. Each drive feels heavier than the last for the family, yet each time they walk into that hospital, they hold onto hope.

“Some days she is so nauseous she can barely speak. Some days, she is so tired she can only whisper yes or no. Some days she just lies still, fighting with everything she has. And yet… she is brave. So unbelievably, breathtakingly brave.”

The aggressive cancer hasn’t just attacked Leah. It has attacked the whole family, emotionally, physically, and financially.

“Nothing prepares a parent or grandparent for this. We are doing everything we can, but the truth is simple and humbling. We need help.”

The family is currently trying to secure a paediatric oximeter, which is needed for constant checks on her oxygen levels, but with mounting medical bills and travel costs, their funds have run severely low.

As Leah fights for her life, her parents and Lauren are asking for help to keep moving forward and help give their little girl a carefree childhood full of laughter.

No family should walk this road alone. If you feel moved in any way, please stand with Leah by donating here.

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