International Childhood Cancer Day is observed annually on 15 February to raise awareness and to support patients and their families. Here we learn about the story of one child who, at just 12 years old, suddenly found herself confronting a diagnosis no child expects to hear.
In July 2025, after a hospital examination that lasted three hours, doctors diagnosed Constance with a form of lymph node cancer. Since that day, everyday life has changed completely. She had to give up her hobbies: no more horse riding and no more music lessons at the Luxembourg Conservatory.
One of the hardest moments during treatment was not being allowed to hug her two younger sisters. The risk of catching even a minor infection was too great, as her weakened immune system might not have been able to cope. “But the nurses here, all the doctors, my parents, my sisters, my whole family, were really there for me”, she said, adding that their presence helped greatly.
Despite everything, Constance made a conscious effort to stay positive: “I kept telling myself it’s almost over, we’re going to manage this.”
Throughout her treatment, she continued to follow her school lessons, connecting to her classroom via a tablet. Her therapy ended on 18 December, and after the Christmas holidays she was able to return to school on 5 January.
Young patients and their families are not left to face such difficult times alone. Constance received support from Een Häerz fir kriibskrank Kanner – A heart for kids with cancer – an association that assists around 50 families each year following a cancer diagnosis.
