As described by her family, Halle Kiehne is indeed a 'warrior princess'. At just seven years old, Halle recently battled brain cancer for the second time.
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After being diagnosed with a tumour in October 2018, and subsequently having it removed, a routine MRI in March this year revealed a recurrence of the disease.
Surgery followed two days later. Then it was 33 rounds of radiation in Newcastle across a six-and-a-half week period.
Halle's mum, Danielle Smyth, said her little fighter has taken the latest battle in her stride.
"She's been coping really well, she never complains and has been so strong and brave," Danielle said.
"She's still got a smile on her face."
The ongoing coronavirus pandemic made the commute to Newcastle from Taree for radiation more difficult.
"We weren't able to stay anywhere because of it," Danielle revealed.
"The night before her surgery, her dad couldn't come in because of restrictions on people with patients.
"It's definitely been harder the second time around."
Halle will undergo scans every three months to monitor the situation.
The family will also try alternative measures such as supplements and medications to help with her recovery.
Halle won't be heading back to the classroom this term as she is too fatigue. She will hopefully return in some aspect next term. Danielle, a teacher by trade, will fill in the gaps at home.
Halle is the inspiration behind Cafe Thyme's 2020 fundraiser for the Mark Hughes Foundation.
It coincides with the NRL's Beanies for Brain Cancer Round.
For every coffee purchased at the cafe between Tuesday, June 16 and Saturday, June 20, $1 will be donated to the foundation.
She's been coping really well, she never complains and has been so strong and brave.
- Danielle Smyth
The foundation is close to the heart of owner Nerida Ramsey, who is a brain cancer survivor.
She said Halle's story highlights the importance of raising funds to find a brain cancer cure and hoped the community would once again support the annual fundraiser.
"I'm excited that we're able to do this again and we hope this year to raise as much as we have in previous years," she said.
The cafe reopened a few weeks ago once COVID-19 restrictions began to ease.
"The COVID-19 situation might impact coffee sales but as we know brain cancer doesn't stop just because of a pandemic," Nerida said.
Live for Liv scarves will also be for sale at the cafe for $25. All proceeds will be donated to the foundation.
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