The Oliver family’s world was “turned upside down” when nine-year-old Scarlett lost her battle with brain cancer in April.
Scarlett was given just 12 months to 18 months to live after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer, called high-grade glioma, in October last year.
She would have turned 10 on May 7.
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Read nowNow, the Oliver family hopes to help raise awareness and funding for the disease that claimed Scarlett’s life.
They have created a fundraiser in Scarlett’s memory, with donations going to the Kids Cancer Support Group.
KCSG supports families through extensive practical and emotional support services during treatment, and continuing support for survivors or grieving families.
Initially hoping to raise $1000, the Olivers have now raised more than $5000 for KCSG.
The group has been an immense help to the family both during Scarlett’s battle with cancer and since her death, Scarlett’s father Paul Oliver told 7NEWS.com.au.
![Scarlett Oliver lost her battle with brain cancer in April.](jpg/d41c7cc690831b6b41ff7a89e41d620f7441dd5e-16x9-x0y1w1011h569e2c3.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
“It’s a very concerning and confusing time when your world is turned upside down and you think you’ve been dealt the worst possible hand,” Paul said.
“Outside of the walls at Perth Children’s Hospital, we are all going on with our lives with little understanding of the amount of families affected by childhood cancer.
“When you are admitted on ward it is like a world of its own, a sheltered community that in the worst time in people’s lives somehow finds the generosity and support to make you feel more comfortable.
“The Kids Cancer Support Group is at the epicentre of it all and not only do they offer support in the way of toys and games for the children and food and essentials for the parents but are always there in any capacity that you might need them.”
![Scarlett received a hat from Taylor Swift during her performance at Accor Stadium on February 23.](jpg/ac02b2e9678d97e5d0443f7627a8749eca7eaa11-16x9-x0y244w4686h2636e2c3.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
![Scarlett hugging Swift.](jpg/390f5c7796444796cd7e2d0561c3fb016be4e616-16x9-x0y143w2747h1545e2c3.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
Scarlett captured the hearts of the nation when her stepmother asked for help on social media to grant the little girl’s final wish of meeting Taylor Swift.
The Make A Wish foundation was unable to help the family achieve this but through community help they managed to get Scarlett to a concert.
At each The Eras Tour show, Swift gifted one fan one of her trademark black fedoras during the performance of her song, 22.
On February 23, during a sold-out show at Accor Stadium in Sydney, that lucky fan was Scarlett.
Weeks after her wish was granted, Scarlett’s health rapidly declined.
“We went from enjoying holidays and experiences, being relatively happy and healthy and attending school up until the end of term, to being in hospital every day until she passed within ... three weeks,” Paul said.
The father is “struggling to accept or comprehend what is going on” but said people from KCSG have “been a source of constant support (by) ... offering kind words, support and a whole range of services that can help our family navigate through our new reality”.
“We have spent a fair bit of time in and out of hospital over the last six months, and they are a continuous presence on the ward whether that be smiling faces, games and activities or simply just talking to us to show us that we aren’t alone,” he said.
Paul said the family hopes to “find a way to keep Scarlett with us and her name alive” at some point in the future by working with KCSG.
Community ‘shattered’
Scarlett had a profound impact on the community, a KCSG spokesperson said.
“The hearts of our whole community are shattered with the loss of beautiful Scarlett,” they said.
Scarlett had a “beautiful smile” and would always ask for slime from the KCSG trolley — in tribute to her, the trolleys are now fully stocked with slime “to make sure those smiles continue”.
“We are comforted with the knowledge that in some way we have helped in easing what is an unimaginably tough journey for so many WA families,” the spokesperson said.
“KCSG and our community are here to walk beside Scarlett’s family as they face the pain of their incredible loss and find a way to navigate their grief going forward.
“Scarlett has made a big impact on so many around the world and will continue to do so, inspiring all who knew her to continue to make a difference in her memory.
“We are incredibly touched to be chosen as a recipient of funds in Scarlett’s memory and want to thank the Oliver family.
“All the funds raised will have a big impact and help so many families facing childhood cancer and blood disorders in WA (so) Scarlett’s impact is ongoing.”
KCSG will continue to offer support financially, emotionally and practically however it is able, for as long as needed, the spokesperson said.
The group helps families with practical support including fuel and supermarket vouchers, toys, gifts, crafts, and providing healthy and nutritious food for carers on the ward so they can stay by their child’s bedside.
It also helps with home maintenance, home supports, cleaning, food deliveries, gift boxes for siblings and specialised peer-to-peer support services directly supporting families both on and off the ward at PCH.
The group’s services begin at diagnosis and continue through treatment to survivor or bereavement support, and it has two qualified peer support mental health specialists offering support to bereaved families.
You can learn more about the KCSG services on its website or follow the group on Facebook and Instagram.
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