Warning: This article discusses child cancer, which some readers may find distressing.
A family’s world was turned upside down when their baby’s ‘ordinary cold’ was diagnosed as a rare form of blood cancer.
In April 2025, when four-month-old Melody came down with a cold, her parents thought it was just a typical illness. But when the cold began to affect her breathing, they grew concerned.
After 12 hours without a wet nappy, her parents, Rachel-Elizabeth Hewitt and Kevin Aggett, rushed Melody to the nearest hospital for an examination.
Rachel recalled: “The initial consultant suspected bronchiolitis, which can cause breathing issues. They considered sending Melody home, but fortunately, another consultant saw her, installed a nasogastric (NG) tube, and kept her overnight.”
“The following day, another consultant examined Melody and requested a GAS (blood gas) test,” she continued.
Within minutes of receiving the GAS test results, additional blood tests were conducted. Just an hour later, doctors informed the family that Melody had acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer.
Melody was promptly transferred to pediatric intensive care in Southampton, UK, where she began emergency treatment, including chemotherapy, blood transfusions, and platelet transfusions.
She was later moved to Great Ormond Street Hospital for a bone marrow transplant, where she is currently undergoing further treatment.
Despite enduring challenging and often distressing treatment, Melody has continued to smile and laugh. She finds comfort in a special Warmies heatable teddy bear, provided by Cancer Support UK’s Cuddles for Christmas appeal.
Rachel shared the heartbreak she experienced upon receiving Melody’s diagnosis.
She said: “It didn’t feel real. I was so shocked, I had to ask the consultant to repeat her words. Hearing those words was like a stabbing pain in my heart.”
Melody spent 30 days in intensive care at Southampton, including two weeks on a ventilator and two rounds of chemotherapy. In August, she urgently underwent a bone marrow transplant.
Given all the challenges she has faced so early in life, Rachel describes Melody as an ‘inspiration.’
The devoted mother expressed: “She’s an inspiration because she’s smiled and giggled throughout, even when I have been in tears. She’s such a fighter, even when feeling unwell.”
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or through their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.