the end of her cancer treatment
Young cancer patient Hiba Khan celebrated a ‘momentous achievement’ this week (Monday 18 November) on Starfish, the children’s ward, at Watford General Hospital.
After two years of cancer care delivered by teams at Watford General and Great Ormond Street Hospital, five-year-old Hiba from Watford marked an important stage in her illness by ringing the end of treatment bell.
Ringing the bell celebrates and symbolises the end of a patient’s treatment for cancer marking their bravery, courage and determination.
Hiba's mum, Safeenah, said: "My daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of three in October 2022. Our world stopped. She was given the best treatment over the years. Of course it wasn’t easy, but I can never thank the team enough for the love, support and care given to my daughter and my family. She was in good hands, and I had 100% faith in them. Today, we have our happy, jolly princess back."
Hiba also received her ‘beads of courage’. Every time a patient goes through a significant milestone in their treatment, such as an operation, an overnight stay or a procedure, a colourful glass bead is added to the chain to mark the moment.
As the chain grows in length, it creates a visual and tangible record of the many procedures the child has experienced and is a way to commemorate the milestones achieved during treatment.
"It's always a happy and emotional day and symbolises a huge milestone in the completion of their treatment journey."
The end of treatment bell at Watford General was donated to Starfish ward in 2018 by then seven-year-old Samuel Van Emden and his family, who wanted to give back to the place where Samuel spent four years receiving treatment for leukaemia.
Many children have since enjoyed celebrating the end of their treatment, and in 2024 six children have rung the bell to date.
Congratulations to Hiba and all the children who have completed their treatment!