Six-Year-Old Lacie Overcomes Cancer to Top Her Class

When six-year-old Lacie John began her new school year in September 2023, she surprised her family and teachers by starting at the top of her class, despite nearly two years of cancer treatment. Diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in April 2023, Lacie faced significant health challenges that could have derailed her education. Instead, she has shown resilience and determination that have inspired those around her.

Lacie’s journey began in 2022 when her mother, Jess John, noticed her daughter experiencing unusual fatigue, recurring colds, and persistent sickness. Initially, medical professionals attributed these symptoms to viral infections. However, after Lacie developed a large lump on her neck, further tests at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend led to inconclusive results. After a high fever prompted her readmission, blood tests revealed alarming abnormalities.

Following her transfer to the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital in Cardiff, Lacie’s family received the devastating news of her leukaemia diagnosis. Jess described the moment as heart-wrenching: “We were heartbroken. My husband and I just burst into tears. Our world completely fell apart.”

As part of her treatment, Lacie was placed on a Regimen C plan, which included a new immunotherapy drug, blinatumomab, not typically available through the National Health Service (NHS). Administered via a PICC line connected to a battery-powered backpack, Lacie wore this device for two four-week cycles. Jess recounted the challenges of managing the equipment, stating, “It was huge on her – from her neck to her shins. We often woke up to alarms going off when the line came loose. It was incredibly stressful.”

Lacie underwent three intensive chemotherapy phases before beginning her maintenance treatment. Currently, she takes daily oral chemotherapy at home, receives monthly intravenous chemotherapy at the hospital, and undergoes lumbar punctures every 12 weeks. Her treatment is expected to conclude in November 2023, at which point she plans to ring the bell celebrating the end of her cancer journey.

Despite the obstacles, Lacie’s academic performance has been remarkable. At Coety Primary School, her teacher anticipated she would finish the year reading at level 6, but Lacie surprised everyone by completing the year at level 12. She has also excelled in mathematics. During her treatment, the school provided a teacher to assist her at home, and Lacie participated in play therapy and school activities at the hospital. Jess noted, “She’s amazed us all. She was nervous but very excited to be back with her friends.”

Lacie’s friendship with a classmate, Betsy, who was diagnosed with leukaemia just weeks after her, has also been a source of support. Jess highlighted the significance of this connection, explaining, “The girls call each other sisters and even have their bloods done together at school. We’ve also connected with other families going through the same thing. I don’t know how I’d have coped without them.”

With her treatment nearing completion, the John family is now looking toward the future. Jess urges others to support organizations like Cancer Research UK, which funds groundbreaking research into childhood leukaemia. “It’s vital work that helps families like ours,” she said, emphasizing the importance of continued support for cancer research.

Lacie’s story serves as a powerful reminder of resilience in the face of adversity, showcasing the strength of a young girl who has faced significant challenges yet continues to shine in her academic pursuits.