Some victories are louder than applause. When one-year-old Lijah Tomkinson rang the bell at Mackay Base Hospital this week, it marked the end of cancer treatment, the beginning of a new chapter and a hard-won victory for his family.
The joyful moment celebrated an extraordinary 12-month journey for the toddler and his parents, Jay and Annie Tomkinson, after Lijah overcame a rare form of cancer.
A quick photograph in November 2024 was all it took for the Mackay mum to confirm that a golden reflection in her newborn’s eye would ultimately change her son’s life.
At just six weeks old, Lijah was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma, a rare childhood cancer that affects the eye and he was urgently referred to the Queensland Children’s Hospital for treatment.
Yesterday, his family and friends alongside paediatric nursing teams gathered in the courtyard at Mackay Base Hospital to ring the bell and see the tot cut a Bluey and Bingo cake to celebrate his remarkable recovery and signify the completion of his cancer treatment.
Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Paediatric Oncology and Haematology clinical nurse consultant nurse Trista Simpson supported Lijah and his family throughout his year-long journey.
“I’ve been in awe of Annie and Jay’s strength and resilience for a long time and Lijah is just such a happy baby,” Trista said.
“He’s endured countless surgeries, procedures, blood tests and chemotherapy; it’s been a long ordeal so we are thrilled to be here today to celebrate the end of his treatment.”
Lijah’s story touched hearts across the community after a GoFundMe page was set up and raised $32,000 to help with travel expenses, medical costs and lost income.
The Tomkinson family said they were overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support they received during what was an unimaginably difficult time.
“We are so privileged to have such a caring health team take such good care of us and Lijah,” Annie said.
“As a parent you never think you’d have to face this, but having Trista and team has made the world of difference to our whole experience. Everyone who walked alongside us has got us to this point.
“We are privileged and grateful to be here today. Lijah is thriving and very active, and that is all the blessings we will continue to count.”
Dad Jay said it had been a difficult 12 months after finding out on a Friday, having Lijah’s diagnosis confirmed on a Monday and then to be aboard a plane on their way to Brisbane to begin treatment on Wednesday.
“Today is somewhat bittersweet as Lijah did lose an eye, but he is healthy and thriving and he will have an awesome life …. and hopefully be a front rower for the Cowboys,” he said.
“But he is such a happy baby and we couldn’t have done it without the support of the medical teams here in Mackay and in Brisbane.”
Huge congratulations to gorgeous Lijah and the Tomkinson family!