Sarah and Justin Murphy were thrilled to discover that shortly after they married, Sarah was pregnant and their joy was made extra special when they were told that they were having twins. Olivia and Isabella were born in February 2003 and Sarah couldn't have been happier or busier!
Sarah remembers that when the twins were around two and a half, Olivia became ill, "we had no idea just how ill she was, she seemed hot and tired and her lips were blue but doctors kept telling us that there was nothing to worry about, they said she had gastroenteritis or tonsillitis." After about a month of being ill, one day she was violently sick and we rushed her to Farmborough hospital, near the family's home in Bromley. The blood test results came back quickly - the parents were devastated to discover Olivia's blue lips were a sign of anaemia caused by leukaemia.
"As soon as I was told that news, I know that it sounds strange but my first questions were if Olivia would lose her hair and whether she would be able to have children when she was older - these were the only two things that I knew about cancer".
Olivia immediately started powerful chemotherapy, staying in the hospital for the next twelve days. "We just focused on getting her better" says Sarah "Justin even bought her a nurse's outfit to get her used to the idea of being in hospital. She was so brave lying in the bed. After the first dose of the powerful drug, Olivia began losing her hair. Sarah decided that it would be best to cut Olivia's hair as when it all fell out, it would be less traumatic. "People assumed that after I cut Olivia's hair, she was a boy.They'd see us in the street and congratulate me for having a girl and boy but Olivia always piped up that she was a girl too. On one particular shopping trip, she caught sight of herself in a mirror and tried to cover her head, she was very upset and it broke my heart. We went to the next shop and she chose a hat to wear."
The family first heard about Rainbow Trust through a play therapist at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Sarah's Mum, Susan asked her what charities might be able to help the family. Sarah called up the Trust to find out more and a visit from the Surrey Care Team soon followed. This is where she first met Mandy, who was assigned as their Family Support Worker. At first, Sarah didn't know what to expect or what she could ask of Mandy as a 'professional friend'. Sarah soon realised one thing, she knew that she could depend on her 100% and whenever Sarah needed help, all she had to do was pick up the telephone.
Sarah has found Mandy's help invaluable in so many ways; "Not only is she kind, she has been a tower of strength to me as well. Mandy has accompanied us on many hospital visits and because of her job, I do ask her opinion about what the doctors and nurses are telling us about Olivia's condition. Mandy is a regular visitor to the family's home too, providing a helping hand whenever Sarah needs it. The twins also took to Mandy very quickly as well and by her second visit, all shyness was put to one side and Olivia was sitting on Mandy's lap."
Mandy remains a constant feature in the family's life and while Olivia's prognosis is good, there have been various setbacks along the way. The chemotherapy has weakened Olivia's immune system and between August 2005 and July 2006, she caught chicken pox and shingles six times. Last October, the family were devastated to discover the final bout of shingles had left Olivia blind in her left eye. Sarah realised that she was squinting but had no idea that shingles could cause blindness and unfortunately, her retina has become detached and the damage is permanent.
Olivia's treatment is going well and even when it finishes this October, both girls will still be checked every three months - Isabella is also at risk from the disease too as the girls are genetically identical. "Of course, it is hard living with this situation everyday," says Sarah who makes every effort to treat the twins equally although inevitably, there have been times when she has had to devote more time to Olivia. "Mandy has also been extremely helpful in spending extra time with Isabella so she doesn't feel left out - Mandy is just fabulous with her."
"Naturally, I do worry that Isabella might get ill too but I have to focus on the present, I have two beautiful daughters and Olivia's treatment is going well. We're staying positive and I know that Rainbow Trust is there for us whenever I need them and that means so much."
