Sometimes, very bad things happen to good people. My friend, Tash, is one of them.

Tash is one of the most beautiful women I have ever met. She has been a dear friend of mine for nearly 15 years: she took me into her home during a time when I had no place to stay; has a huge heart, a rare generosity of spirit and an ability to think of others, even when she is enduring the most horrific battle imaginable.

Nearly two years ago, we shared the story of her daughter Maya (at right). Born with Rhabdomyosarcoma, the time since her birth has been a constant fight. She has received 16 months of treatment including numerous surgeries, 14 months of chemo, six weeks of radiation, countless scans, and over 50 general anaesthetics.

Amazingly, she never lost her smile throughout the ordeal.

This July saw the beginning of a couple of months of normality, when Maya was declared tumour free…Tash, husband Mark and Maya’s older sister, Amelia, travelled and enjoyed life as a family away from the hospital.

Then, when on holiday, Tash and Mark discovered a tumour in Maya’s leg. Scans showed her tiny body was riddled with them.

Sadly, her treatment options have now been exhausted due to non responsive, extensive spread of tumours in her brain, torso, abdomen and leg. She is now receiving palliative care at home by her family and a team of specialists.

Unfortunately, stories like Maya’s are too common, with cancer the largest killer of children from disease in Australia . Every year in Australia more than 600 children are diagnosed with cancer; on average, three Australian children die from cancer every week.

Throughout their journey, I have been in awe of Tash and Mark’s strength; in particular, their commitment to helping make the lives of other families battling childhood cancer easier to cope with. They have established Warming Beautiful Souls, a project that aims to “bring a bit of happiness to children battling cancer, while evoking awareness of childhood cancer, which in turn will promote funding for research into cures for the many different kinds of childhood cancers.”

They are asking people to donate something that will put a smile on a child with cancer’s face, for them to take with them during their treatment to make them feel more comfortable, or to help pass the time.  You could knit, sew or crochet slippers, socks, beanies, hats, superman/supergirl capes, cardigans, throw rugs, quilts and any other comfort items for children of all ages, which will then be distributed directly to children during one of their many admission’s to hospital.

They also gratefully accept craft packs, plaster paint packs, beading packs, colouring packs, stickers or anything else that will help the children pass the time in hospital. If you would like to donate wool, they will distribute it to people who will knit something. Unfortunately, oncology wards can not accept pre-loved items or items with religious affiliations.

Items can be sent via Australia Post to:

Warming Beautiful Souls
C/O Natasha Maguire
Parcel Locker 10016 85369
54 Vicars Street
Mitchell ACT 2911

Tash and her family have recently purchased a campervan – something that they were going to do when they were older, but have brought forward to now – and they are hitting the road to spend some special time together. They will be distributing donations to hospitals where children are receiving cancer treatment, and providing comfort to families who are fighting their own battles.

Not everyone can purchase or make items to donate. You can still help by spreading awareness of childhood cancer, encouraging others to donate to charities that support childhood cancer or funding for research into a cure. Donating blood and blood products is something people may be able to do, that is free, yet can save as many as three lives per donation.

Maya turns two years old on 2 December, and today, she is being given a Starlight Foundation birthday party – we will be going to celebrate the incredible spirit of a little girl who has endured so much, and filled her family’s life with so much happiness. Happy Birthday Maya xxx

UPDATE: Maya passed away days before her second birthday, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. We love you, little girl…