AT THE age of 14, Lucy Newman has had to fight for her life twice and now she is fighting for other sick children in the hospital ward.
The Jimboomba teen and Emmaus College student was first diagnosed with Leukemia in December 2013 and was treated with chemotherapy for three years before the cancer relapsed in November, 2017.
Lucy awaits a bone marrow operation on June 25 with the hope she will fight the disease off for good.
In the meantime, Lucy has started a campaign to fill the Lady Cilento Library with books to offer respite for teenagers in need of a hobby.
Lucy’s mother and vice president of Quota International Jimboomba, Julie Newman, said she was already overwhelmed by the community response to the cause.
“She is a very avid reader herself and always enjoyed reading from an early age. We already have more than 200 books already,” Ms Newman said.
“There are a lot of things in the hospital ward aimed at younger kids, but there are a few teenagers in the hospital and more books will help to pass time for them.”
Ms Newman said she was proud of her daughter who aspires to become a children’s oncology nurse after she finishes school.
“She has been extremely brave. She is very determined and has a very strong personality,” she said.
“Lucy has also been very involved with Relay for Life Jimboomba. She has been the face of it.”
David Walliams is one of Lucy’s favourite authors and she was particularly fond of his book ‘Midnight Gang’.
Anyone donating books are asked to ensure they are in good and clean condition as they will be directed to the oncology ward.
To donate books contact 0408 434 018.
