Little warrior’s triumphant homecoming after a two-year battle with cancer

After two long years spent in hospital beds, a ‘little warrior’ from Townsville, who bravely faced cancer not once but twice, is finally preparing to come home. And now, her community is rallying to make her one big wish come true.

Charlie Lambert undergoing treatment in hospital in Brisbane during February 2024. Picture: Supplied

After two long years spent in hospital beds, a little warrior from Townsville who has bravely fought cancer not once but twice is finally preparing to return home, and her community is rallying to make her one big wish come true.

Charlie Lambert, a spirited girl from Wulguru, was only 10 when her mother, Simone, noticed a suspicious bulge on her stomach.

It turned out to be a 1.4kg Wilms tumour, a rare form of kidney cancer, diagnosed in September 2022.

For 22 weeks, Charlie endured gruelling chemotherapy sessions and a surgery to remove her kidney.

Finally, it seemed the battle was over — but fate had other plans. Just one year later, almost to the day, they received the heartbreaking news that the cancer was back in the exact same spot in September 2023.

Simone and Charlie Lambert, aged 10, in September 2022. Picture: Supplied

With heavy hearts and renewed determination, the mother-daughter duo left their life in Townsville and relocated to Brisbane, where Charlie began an even more intense round of treatments.

Initially, doctors anticipated that her treatment would last eight months, but with multiple hospital admissions and setbacks, it has stretched to nearly 14 months.

A scan showing the 1.4kg tumour discovered in Charlie's tummy at Townsville hospital on September 14, 2022. Picture: Supplied

Her journey has been marked by countless needles, surgeries, medications, and rounds of lifesaving but harsh treatments.

Now, as Charlie’s final treatments are in sight, the now 11-year-old is eagerly looking forward to sleeping in her own bed again by year’s end.

“We’re almost home — just two more treatments to go, and we’re holding our breath for her end-of-treatment scans and tests to confirm she’s cancer-free,” her mother, Simone, shared.

“If all goes well, we’re hoping to be back around mid-December to finally spend Christmas with family and friends after these long two years.”

Charlie in March 2023. Picture: Supplied

Thanks to the Starlight Foundation, Charlie was granted a Wish and initially dreamt of a five-night Disney Cruise. But when her cancer returned, that dream had to be put on hold.

Now, two years and another fight later, Charlie has chosen a new wish: her very own bedroom makeover.

For Charlie, this wish is more than just a room; it’s a sanctuary, a healing space filled with love, joy, and wellness, where she can recover, recharge, and create cherished memories with friends.

Charlie in hospital in August 2024. Picture: Supplied

“We’re also excited that the design from the Starlight Foundation will be sent to Charlie and me next week for feedback and approval,” Simone said.

“Charlie has had a lot of input on how she wants her room, but I know Starlight has their budgets. I’ll be supporting any additional parts we need to ensure she gets the room she truly wants.”

Charlie, after finishing her last round of chemo, with the nurses who’ve cared for her over the years.

While Starlight is providing the essentials, there’s still a gap to fill to make Charlie’s dream room a reality. To cover the remaining costs, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched with a target of $15,000. These funds will help bring Charlie’s vision to life, with any extra going towards her schooling needs in 2025.

You can help here: https://gofund.me/0d4417a8

Originally published as Little warrior’s triumphant homecoming after a two-year battle with cancer