A little over a year ago Sarah Webb, age four, began a special relationship with P.A.L.S. following her diagnosis of a brain tumour. Sarah and her family began a journey towards cancer recovery and continue to travel that road.

Since her diagnosis, Sarah has had numerous trips to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Sarah's mother, Cindy Webb, said: "When the Children's Hospital Staff realised all the medical services P.A.L.S. are providing free of cost for Sarah, they were open-mouthed.

"P.A.L.S. continue to provide diligent medical care, emotional care and supplies. Without them, life would be harsh for Sarah and our family,'' she said.

The Webb family is extremely grateful to P.A.L.S. for their continued support of Sarah and the family.

"Thomas, our nine-year-old son, was devastated when he learned of Sarah's illness. He found it difficult to talk to us (parents) but the P.A.L.S. nurse was able to provide counselling which helped considerably. P.A.L.S. has been of vast emotional support for our family. Sarah has a special bond with the nurses and I consider them to be earth angels,'' remarked Mrs. Webb.

Sarah attends nursery school at Wee Learn Nursery at the First Baptist Church and interacts with children her age when she feels up to it.

"Sarah has mostly good days and a few bad days. She receives chemotherapy to stop the tumour growth and following the chemo, Sarah experiences fatigue for a couple of days and eats very poorly. Just recently a G-Tube was inserted in Sarah's stomach for food supplement,'' said Mrs. Webb.

Her parents try to create a normal lifestyle for their daughter.

"The P.A.L.S. nurse, Liz Hanson, comes to the school once per week to perform various procedures which include obtaining blood from Sarah. This is done via her Porta-cath tube,'' said Mrs. Webb. "It saves me a trip to the hospital with Sarah.'' When Sarah was interviewed for this article, she appeared in the sunny school courtyard wearing a multi-coloured pastel hat and had a big smile. Sarah was friendly and very sweet; additionally, she was articulate beyond years and opinionated. For every question she produced a quick response: How do you feel today? "Very good, thank you.'' What is your favourite colour? "Red'' What is your favourite food? "Pizza and french fries.'' What is your favourite ice cream flavour? "Chocolate'' What is your favourite TV show? "Barney'' What is your favourite book? "Good Night Moon'' Who is your best friend at school? "Tara Butterfield''.

Wearing a vulnerable smile Mrs. Webb said, "Sarah's prognosis is good and we hope she will continue to improve.'' HELPING HAND -- Sarah Webb, aged four, with her P.A.L.S. nurse, Liz Hanson.

HEALTH HTH