Rose is a little girl of 6 ½ years old who glows with intelligence, sensitivity and imagination. Along with her love of arts and crafts (especially kawaii, Japanese-style crafts), dancing and singing, this is a child who is deeply attached to her family, which she considers the most precious thing in her world. Rose’s smile, curiosity and strong sense of justice make her a ray of sunshine for the people around her.

In January 2025, Rose was diagnosed with leukemia. Since that time, she has had to learn to adapt to a reality that has deviated far from her norm, marked by treatments at the pediatric hemato-oncology unit at Charles-Bruneau and the limitations imposed by her disease.

The treatments Rose underwent were arduous in the beginning. Hospitalized for 49 days, her little body was subjected to interventions that had numerous side effects – excruciating pain so intense that the child had to wear fentanyl patches to get through her days.

“Bit by bit, our little girl was slipping away from us,” say Julie and Vincent, Rose’s parents, with visible emotion. Far from her usual singing and dancing self, their child had difficulty walking, talking or even tolerating interactions with other people.

And yet even in the darkest moments, Rose was able to call on a surprising amount of strength. What helped her hang on were simple comforts: resting on the couch, slowing her pace, cuddling with mom and dad, and above all, petting her soft plush rabbit Lapine. Art and music became trusted allies, as well. Her favourite songs made her feel braver and helped inch her toward the light at the end of the tunnel.

Rose has now completed a major portion of the process: after the first 35 days of treatment, the results are positive and she is in remission. Treatment is expected to end in April 2027.

This smart, funny and incredibly brave girl is proof that the love of a family and the tenderness of everyday life can become powerful sources of strength.