Izabelle's Story
Izabelle was just four years old when her family received devastating news.
Izabelle's Mum Lee-Anne recalls “I was told what no parent wants to hear: ‘Your daughter has cancer.’ At that moment, our world changed… my heart shattered.”
From the moment Izabelle met Elliot, her plush toy dog, “she loved his soft furry face and hugged him tight.”
From that first hug, “Elliot became her hospital buddy”.
There were “many needle sticks, blood tests, and sleepless nights on the ward” – but Elliot was always there.
Through every “infusion, chemo, and biopsy”, Elliot was by her side – a source of comfort, a distraction from fear, and “a friend who meant she was never alone.”
During scary procedures, “Izabelle would bury her face in his fur and not look at what was happening. If Elliot could be brave, it gave her the strength to be brave too.”
Elliot became more than a toy – “he brightened her days in hospital [and] encouraged her to eat and drink when she didn’t want to”.
“Elliot was a stress reliever during tricky hospital procedures, a friend for her to talk to, a movie-watching buddy, and a snuggle friend at night – the ward can be lonely when you are in isolation”.
“Elliot is important [for] going through treatment because he is a friend who can be relied on, he is great to cuddle and a big distraction that gives children something to focus on other than hospital procedures and cancer.”
No child should face cancer alone.
This Christmas, gift comfort and courage to children facing cancer, and their families.
For most children, Christmas is a time of joy, laughter, and presents under the tree. But for a child living with cancer – and their family – Christmas can feel heartbreakingly different. Each year, more than 1,000 children and adolescents in Australia hear the words no family ever wants to hear: “Your child has cancer.” Here in South Australia and the Northern Territory, that’s one family every week.
From the very first moment a child is referred to the Childhood Cancer Association, they are welcomed with their very own Elliot dog plush toy – a loyal friend who stays by their side through hospital appointments, sleepless nights, and moments of fear.
Elliot is much more than a toy. Find out more about Elliot here.
Place an Elliot in the arms of a child with cancer and add your name to a bauble on our Giving Tree - a powerful symbol that no family faces cancer alone.
Every gift places Elliot in the arms of a child, reminding them they're not alone - and showing families: we see you, we care, and we're here with you.
Your support doesn’t just provide a toy – it powers the full Elliot Program, which ensures children and families receive ongoing care alongside their Elliot.
How Your Gift Helps
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Elliot Plush Toys – constant companions for children navigating cancer.
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Letters to Elliot – children connect with Elliot as a pen pal, sharing their thoughts, achievements, or worries, and he replies with encouragement and strategies to help them cope.
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Sibling Tips Books – tools to support brothers and sisters as they explore common emotions and learn strategies to help them cope.
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Birthday Cards from Elliot – making sure no child is forgotten, even in hospital.
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Elliot Visits – mascot Elliot brightens children’s days with moments of happiness and connection, even during the hardest times.