Brave Danielle's a true little star

Jan 12 2006 By Alison Dayani, Birmingham Mail

BRAVE cancer sufferer Danielle Hefti's sixth birthday may have been overshadowed by a gruelling chemotherapy session - but nurses had a surprise in store.

For when Danielle turned up to the oncology day clinic at Birmingham Children's Hospital, she was recognised as one of Cancer Research's "Little Stars".

The plucky youngster has battled through cancer, losing a kidney and living through her parents' break-up.

But Danielle, from Warndon, Worcester, has been such an inspiration to others that she was yesterday named a Little Star and handed a certificate signed by pop star and fellow cancer sufferer Kylie Minogue.

Danielle's mum Louise Hefti, aged 27, said: "Danielle has been so brave.

"It's a devastating thing to happen to any family, but she's full of life, and doesn't let it bother her."

Danielle developed a Wilm's tumour, a type of kidney cancer, in April last year, but the tumour was so big, it was spreading to her lungs and stomach.

Doctors operated, removing the tumour and also her right kidney to save her life.

But despite losing her hair from eight months of chemotherapy, scans show Danielle is recovering and her parents hope to get the all clear by April.

"Some people would feel like locking themselves into a room, but Danielle just went out and played," added mum-of-two Louise, who also has a 13-month-old toddler, Jessica.

"I think the Little Star is a lovely idea. It means other people can read Danielle's story and take heart when they are going through similar situations."

Family friend and midwife Kate Townsend nominated Danielle for the Little Star award saying: "Danielle is a truly inspirational five-year-old girl, from whom I and many others take our lead in her her approach to cancer."

Cancer is the most common cause of death from illness in children aged between one and 14 and about 1,500 children are diagnosed with the disease every year.

* To nominate children like Danielle aged 16 or under who are having treatment for cancer or have completed their care for a Little Star award, contact Derek Weekes on 0121 359 5676.

* Have your say on this story at www.icbirmingham.co.uk/mail/news/yoursay