8-y-o battling bone cancer needs prosthetic leg

Eight-year-old Alexia Waysome has been nicknamed 'Soldier' by staff at the Bustamante Hospital For Children (BHC) because of her unwavering determination and strength to beat osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer.

Osteosarcoma begins in the cells that form bones. It is most often found in the long bones -- more often the legs. Alexia's left leg had to be amputated, but this is barely slowing down the youngster, who her mother Sherie Waysome said is in very high spirits. The child's greatest wish is to have a prosthetic leg.

"It cost roughly a million dollars. I am reaching out to anyone who is willing to assist us in purchasing one. Our daughter is just eight years old, but she has her eyes set on having a very bright future, one where she can regain her mobility and independence. We are very grateful for whatever anyone can contribute," Waysome said. A GoFundMe account that was created four days ago, up to yesterday has raised US$1,200 (approximately $184,000) of the US$10,000 goal.

Alexia, who lives with her family in Longwood, St Elizabeth, lived a healthy, cheerful life, but last November she slipped and hit her left leg. At first, there was no need for panic, but things changed.

"A few weeks later I saw a swelling and it wasn't going down, so I took her to a doctor, who gave me a letter to take her to do an X-ray. When she did the exam, Alexia was referred to the Mandeville Hospital and even at that time, I thought her leg just got infected and she needed some antibiotics. But they were giving me some hints that something was seriously wrong," she said. An anxious Waysome said she peeked at the X-ray results before taking it to the hospital and was shocked.

"I felt like someone had put a full stop in my life. Her father passed out in the doctor's office," she said. A few days later, Alexia was transferred to the BHC, where doctors said that her leg would have to be amputated to prevent the cancer from spreading. Waysome initially refused to give the green light.

"I keep saying, 'Lord, no amputation', but then it came to me that even if she was going to lose the leg, it doesn't mean that God isn't working. When I spoke to my daughter and told her what would be taking place, she said, 'Mommy I want to live, so let them take off my leg.' She keep telling me to sign the paper. She is very strong," Waysome said.

Alexia's left leg was amputated on August 31 and three days later, she marvelled everyone as she walked around the hospital with the assistance of crutches, smiling and conversing.

"She has lost all her hair and her nails are darkened, but her spirits are very high. She just wants to return to school. She is not worried about the chemotherapy sessions, she wants to know that she is going back to school. I made a wig for her but she is not wearing it, she is embracing her bald head. I have also shaved my head to show her that I am in solidarity with her and until hers grows back, I will keep mine low," Waysome said. She said that the cancer is not spreading.

Waysome said Alexia, who is a straight 'A' student at Park Mountain Primary School, is an intelligent, outspoken and vibrant soul who spreads joy wherever she goes.

"Alexia is the life of the party. I want her to get a good shot at life, and I am asking for assistance to purchase the leg for her. We are hoping that she will be able to continue school by the latest January," she said.

Persons wishing to assist Alexia may contact her mother at 876 532 2220 or make a donation at https://www.gofundme.com/f/alexias-hope-helping-her-walk-again.