‘Our darkest days were made lighter by the Tiger Ward team’
The corridor of Tiger Ward, the children's oncology unit at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, filled with applause as 16-year-old Jazmin Ayaz stepped forward to ring the end-of-treatment bell after two-and-a-half years of chemotherapy.
Surrounded by nurses, CNSs and consultants from TeamLGT, Jazmin celebrated the milestone with the staff who had supported her since she was diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia aged 13.
Jazmin’s mum, Bal Ayaz, said: “We were shocked and overwhelmed by the number of staff who attended the bell ringing to help us celebrate. It was such a heartfelt and emotional moment, and it was clear how genuinely happy everyone was for her.”
Praising and thanking the Tiger Ward team, she added: “From the very beginning, you cared for our child not only with incredible skill, but with kindness and reassurance that carried us through our darkest days. You treated Jazmin as if she were your own and supported us every step of the way.
“We don’t know how we would have gotten through treatment without you. Right from the time of diagnosis, when everything felt overwhelming, your reassuring words helped us through every hurdle, right to the very end at the bell ringing.
“Even in moments when we worried something might not be quite right, knowing we could call you brought us comfort. Your compassion and dedication will stay with our family forever. Because of your team, some of our darkest days were made lighter.”
The family later celebrated at home with loved ones and are now looking ahead to a special summer trip to Japan, a destination Jazmin has always dreamed of visiting.
Samantha MacDonald, Interim Deputy Paediatric Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist, said: “The Tiger Ward team are incredibly proud of Jazmin for completing her GCSEs whilst undergoing treatment, showing remarkable strength, determination and resilience throughout. It has been a privilege to support her on this journey, and we would also like to recognise the unwavering love and support provided by her family every step of the way. We are delighted to see Jazmin complete her treatment in and wish her every success for the future.”
From everyone at TeamLGT, have an amazing summer and enjoy every moment exploring Japan Jazmin.
The chemotherapy bell was funded by the charity, End of Treatment Bells. To find out more about the charity, please visit the End of Treatment Bells website.
