UPDATE: We’re so sorry to share the news that Juliet, who had battled cancer with so much bravery and positivity, passed away on 23 January. In honour of her determination to fight on and live life to the full with her family – and to be there for two-year-old Elsa as she grows up with extra needs, the fundraiser on 11 February at Oxwell & Co will go on. Right now, Elsa is quite ill and her father Simon is caring for her in hospital – please read their story below. Our thoughts are with Simon, Elsa and Juliet’s family and friends.
Parenting can be tough at the best of times. But just imagine receiving the devastating news that your child has a serious illness. Add to that the horror of being diagnosed with cancer as a mum, and you’d feel like your entire world is crumbling around you. Sadly, this is the heart-wrenching reality for Brit Juliet, daughter Elsa and their loving husband and father, Simon, who live here in Singapore. Life has dealt them not one, but two life-threatening challenges. But if this inspiring mum and toddler could survive on love, positivity and sheer determination alone, then they’d have their illnesses beat. However, with no insurance companies willing to cover mounting medical costs, and life savings depleted (they’ve spent over $900k to date), funds raised via their GoFundMe page are vital for urgent, life-saving treatment. When we heard that a fundraiser for Juliet and Elsa is being held at HK fave hang-out Oxwell & Co at 7pm on 11 February 2017, we just had to get the word out. Let’s all let this amazing little family know they have us rooting for them….
Juliet and Elsa’s Story
Juliet and Simon moved from the UK to sunny Singapore in 2010 excited about a new chapter in their lives. Simon worked hard in his window-cleaning business, and Juliet co-founded a healthcare technology start-up. Life was promising and thrilling for this young couple, with incredible social, work and personal lives. Juliet filled her post-work hours with much loved yoga sessions and regular triathlons. Their home was one filled with music, laughter and good times. Sounds like a familiar story, doesn’t it?
Then, one day in 2012 Juliet was diagnosed with early stage cervical cancer. Like most young women in her position she was desperate to preserve her ability to have kids. Thankfully she went into remission after successful treatment, and fell pregnant shortly after. The relief was short-lived when she went into early labour and after contracting an infection: Elsa was born with meningitis at an extremely premature 25 weeks.
The result of Elsa’s complicated birth is that she has severe cerebral palsy, brain damage, is blind in one eye and suffers up to 20 seizures a day (which could cause fatal hydrocephalus). She requires round-the-clock care and regular medical procedures – and is still a radiant little spark.
Sadly, Juliet’s cancer came back with a vengeance. It developed into stage four cancer and spread to the lymph nodes in her neck, chest, liver and pelvis. She was given a terminal diagnosis and just six months to live. Miraculously, she is still fighting on two years down the track (and has undergone numerous surgeries, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy). She is resolute that she will survive this crippling disease for Elsa, against all odds. While she’s no longer strong enough to don her yoga pants or sprint across the finish line after a gruelling swim and cycle, she’s found indescribable happiness raising her gorgeous daughter Elsa. We were moved to tears by Juliet and Elsa’s touching vimeo story.
For the past two years Simon has been only able to work intermittently in his business as he acts as devoted carer for his two beautiful girls. With limited income it has been difficult to make ends meet in this expensive city. If you were to meet this family, poolside on an afternoon, you’d never know from their smiling faces that they’re under any pressure. They’re just like any other family enjoying the tropical lifestyle in Singapore – just with enormous hurdles they’re fighting with everything they’ve got…
Elsa is a spirited, enchanting child who sees the beauty in the little things (she loves sitting on her mum’s lap trying to play the piano). Just one look at the photographs of this family will show you that they have not let their hardships define them.
They still celebrate the joy in daily life. Simon hopes that their story will help other families to prioritise the important things, “Whatever challenges you’re going through, put life in perspective. You may say your child is annoying, but, hey, he can walk. Your child may not have entered a good school, but you can interact with him. Don’t worry about the little things.” We’re definitely giving his words a lot of thought right now.
How we can help Juliet, Simon and Elsa
Join us at a very special fundraiser at Oxwell & Co at 7pm on 11 February 2017. Tickets are $245 for a delish three-course dinner with drinks, or $95 for finger food and three drinks (after which there will be a cash bar). Every single cent raised will go directly to Juliet and Elsa’s ongoing critical, life-saving treatment. RSVP by 4 February 2016 to [email protected].
And if you’d like to follow Juliet and Elsa’s story and show support, head to their crowdfunding site to help them reach their goal of $705,000 to cover the cost of medical treatment. Let’s do this!
Photography courtesy of the Recordon family