Samara Jackman is one special little local.
The plucky 11 year old is celebrating another year in the clear after a battle against one of the rarest forms of childhood cancer in the world, and by her own admission, Samara is feeling “awesome”.
Diagnosed with Wilms’ tumour, a rare form of kidney cancer, at the age of 3, Samara was whisked to Perth to undergo an arduous six month course of radiation and chemotherapy. Mum Sue Jackman said the impact on the family was immense, but made easier by the waves of support from the local community.
“We were spinning out, really, once we received the news everything seemed to move so fast,” Mrs Jackman said.
“We had to put our entire life on hold to focus on our little girl, and that meant Samara and I lived in Perth at Ronald McDonald house while my husband Paul stayed at home working, and caring for our son.”
The family was overwhelmed by the show of support from friends and the community and say the love continues even now, as they mark another year cancer-free.
“We have been in the area for a long time, and I’m reminded of why that is when I’m stopped in the street by someone else asking how Samara, and the family is doing,” Mrs Jackman said.
Despite the scare, Samara struggles to recall details without mum’s help, but is instantly animated when asked about horses.
“I really love riding, I’ve had a few horses over the years and it’s just really fun to get out there and be free, I love bush riding especially,” Samara said.
Mrs Jackman said she believed horses and ponies were valuable friends on the road to recovery and the family’s involvement with the animals was important to Samara’s continued development.
“People come alive when they’re riding, it’s a great way to be active without too much physical stress, and it gets you outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine. Horses are just intuitive, wonderful creatures, they can read us as well as we can read them.”
Samara said that while she knew she would have to monitor her health for the rest of her life, she felt “special” to have experienced and triumphed over the illness.
Mrs Jackman said the family was thrilled Samara is back in great health and thanked the community for their unending support.