In the sun-drenched beauty of Western Australia, the Collard family thrived, enveloped in a cocoon of love and joy. Meagan and Laurence, proud parents of two vibrant boys, Franklin and Cayden, cherished their picturesque life. Yet, an unfulfilled dream lingered in their hearts—a wish for a baby girl to complete their family. The excitement that coursed through them when Meagan announced her pregnancy with a daughter was palpable, igniting visions of a harmonious household filled with laughter and sisterly bonds.
As preparations commenced, the family transformed their home, filling it with pastel colors and soft toys. The nursery, adorned with delicate decorations, became a symbol of their anticipation for the arrival of their little angel, Piper Winifred. When she finally entered the world, her presence seemed to amplify the love that already surrounded her. Each milestone she achieved, from her first smile to her first steps, was celebrated with exuberance, her brothers doting on her as they embraced their new roles as big brothers.
However, this idyllic narrative took a devastating turn in May 2018 when Piper began to show alarming symptoms. What started as simple vomiting escalated, prompting visits to a gastroenterologist and a general practitioner. Initially diagnosed with an ear infection, the family clung to the hope that the diagnosis was benign. But the situation took a darker turn when Meagan discovered a hard lump on Piper’s abdomen. Instinctively, a wave of dread washed over her, compelling her to seek further medical attention.
Blood tests were ordered, and as the samples were sent to the lab, the medical professionals warned Meagan of the possible outcomes: HIV, hepatitis, or cancer. The thought of cancer was unfathomable, yet it loomed ominously in her mind. She chose to keep the terrifying possibility to herself, not wanting to burden her family with fear. When the results confirmed her worst fears—Piper had neuroblastoma—her world shattered.
Neuroblastoma is a particularly aggressive form of cancer that typically arises from immature nerve cells and primarily affects infants and young children. With 700 to 800 cases reported annually in the United States alone, the diagnosis thrust the Collards into a reality they had never anticipated. Piper was categorized as stage four, a severe designation indicating that the cancer had metastasized to various organs, including her liver and lymph nodes.
The family immediately embraced a treatment plan that included chemotherapy, surgery, and a stem cell transplant. With each round of treatment, Piper endured intense side effects, her tiny body battling the dual threats of the cancer and the rigors of medical intervention. Yet, amid the struggle, the love of her family illuminated the dark moments. They created precious memories in the midst of adversity, capturing fleeting smiles and laughter even during the harshest of days.
As Piper’s treatment progressed, the family faced immense challenges. Juggling hospital visits with the needs of her older brothers proved exhausting for Meagan and Laurence. They often felt torn between their desire to be present for all their children and the urgent need to prioritize Piper’s health. Meagan expressed her heartbreak, stating, “I always missed out on special things with them, which was extremely hard at the time. You don’t want to disappoint any of your kids or treat one of them as more important than the other, but Piper’s treatment was our biggest priority.”
The isolation during Piper’s stem cell transplant was particularly challenging. For four weeks, she could not see her beloved brothers, leaving a void that echoed through the family. Despite these trials, the day she was discharged from the hospital for Christmas 2018 felt like a miraculous gift. The joy of being reunited, however, was fleeting; concerns about her health persisted, and soon after, the family found themselves grappling with the harsh realities of the disease once more.
As the weeks passed, Piper’s condition fluctuated, and Meagan’s instincts urged her that something was wrong. When the doctors initially dismissed her concerns, insisting Piper’s symptoms were a result of treatment discomfort, Meagan pressed for further testing. The new scans revealed the heartbreaking truth: the cancer had spread, reigniting their fears and frustrations.
Determined to fight for Piper’s life, the Collards explored every option, including participating in an overseas medical trial. Yet, the hurdles continued; Piper’s liver function was too compromised for eligibility. Resilience became their mantra as they regrouped, continuing chemotherapy in hopes of improving her condition.
Tragically, on June 20th, 2019, Piper’s health took a devastating turn. Despite a brief resurgence of energy and joy, she soon faced the ultimate battle. As her family gathered, surrounded by love, they knew the end was near. The heartbreaking moments they shared, the gentle kisses and tender embraces, became cherished final memories.
On July 1st, they held a funeral that brought together family and friends, all united in sorrow. Cayden, just five years old, carried his sister’s casket, embodying the bond they shared—a bond that transcended the bounds of life and death.
In the aftermath of such profound loss, the Collards emerged with a renewed purpose. They transformed their grief into advocacy, dedicating themselves to raising awareness about neuroblastoma. Through a Facebook page titled “Fight Like a Princess – Piper’s Neuroblastoma Battle,” they connected with thousands, sharing Piper’s story and fostering hope for others facing similar battles.
Their journey serves as a testament to resilience and the power of love, illustrating that even in the face of unimaginable loss, hope can flourish. Through their advocacy, the Collards continue to honor Piper’s spirit, reminding everyone that empathy and action can illuminate even the darkest paths, bringing awareness to a cause that desperately needs attention. In their hearts, Piper’s legacy lives on, inspiring others to join the fight against childhood cancer, ensuring that her spirit remains a beacon of hope for families everywhere.