In December 2023, when she was just 15 months old, Lily-Rose received a startling diagnosis of liver cancer, known as hepatoblastoma. Suddenly, the familiar family dynamics vanished, replaced by doctors’ appointments, treatments, and constant worry. The tumour was large and the weeks that followed were fraught with anxiety.

Lily-Rose underwent seven chemotherapy sessions over a period of several months. Just as doctors began to fear that chemo would not be sufficient, the possibility of a liver transplant appeared. The family immediately launched into a race against the clock to find a compatible donor.

At the Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau of CHU Sainte-Justine, doctors, nurses and technicians became much more than a group of health professionals; they turned into a village – one that supported, guided and sustained the family through each step of the process, even when hopes were hanging by a thread.

Owing to an extraordinarily complex intervention and cutting-edge technology made possible by generous donors, 83% of Lily-Rose’s liver was removed, avoiding the need for a transplant. After surgery lasting 18 hours, eight weeks of hospitalization and an extra dose of courage, a huge victory began to take shape.

Lily-Rose is in remission today. Her scar tells its story, but it doesn’t define her. Above all else, she is a strong, sensible and resilient child whose days are filled with games, songs and loving moments with her family.

To watch her run, giggle and play is to understand that sometimes, the greatest examples of courage measure less than one metre.