Heather Wright/The Independent

A fall from a trampoline gave the Kelly family the worst news imaginable. It also likely saved their daughter’s life.

Aliyah Kelly, 4, was playing on her cousin’s trampoline in Sudbury last July when she fell to the ground. Her mom, Leah, knew it would hurt, but the little girl seemed to be in a lot more pain than you would expect. 

She took her to the hospital the next morning and found what they thought was a broken rib was a football sized tumour on Aliyah’s kidney. Doctors aggressively treated the diffuse anaplastic Wilms tumor with chemotherapy before removing it. It shrunk the tumor by half and doctors were able to save 70 per cent of her kidney.

After it was removed Aaliyah underwent 103 chemo infusions and, as she signed the guest book at Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley’s office last week, she was cancer-free. Mom Leah, says doctors will keep a close eye on her daughter, but the future is much brighter.

The family was on hand with officials from ChildCan – a charitable organization, to mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Week. Sarnia lights up city hall to remind people of youngsters battling the disease.

Leah Kelly says the charity was very helpful during Aliyah’s long illness, providing a listening ear and helping to cover some of the costs for parking and overnight stays while she was away from home.

Aside from the show of support at Sarnia City Hall, ChildCan is hosting a Pyjama Walk at Mike Weir Park Sept. 21 at 2 pm. Officials say its a fundraiser and awareness of childhood cancer. Everyone is invited to wear PJs.