When Siah Kaluat was diagnosed with leukaemia at 12, life suddenly looked very different. Now in remission, she shares what she learnt about resilience, finding joy in small things, and never giving up.
At 12, Siah Kaluat was busy being a happy, active kid. She was excited to start high school, loved playing sport, and could often be found running around at footy practice or chasing after her two younger brothers. Then, just before her 13th birthday, something changed.
She suddenly had very little energy and started taking naps after school which was completely out of character for her. Her parents, Ellen and Jimmy, thought she might have a virus or an iron deficiency. But when unexplained bruises appeared on her arms and legs, they took her to the doctor for blood tests.
Within hours, Siah learned she had acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a type of blood cancer. She was rushed to Queensland Children’s Hospital and began chemotherapy that same night. Instead of celebrating her birthday at home with friends and family, Siah spent it in hospital.
For the next seven months, she faced intensive treatment in Brisbane, hours away from her Sunshine Coast home. Thankfully, Siah and her family were able to stay together at the Leukaemia Foundation’s Blood Cancer Accommodation Centre, giving them a home away from home during this incredibly difficult time.
Through it all, Siah tried to focus on taking things one day at a time. ‘I thought, if I just continue trying to do my best through it… then it’ll be okay,’ she says.
In February 2025, Siah finished her inpatient treatment and returned home in remission. She’s had to adjust to distance education, while missing some of the sports and time with friends she loves. But she’s moving forward, one day at a time.
Today, Siah doesn’t let her cancer journey define her. Instead, she’s using her experience to remind other teens facing difficult challenges that they’re not alone.
Before you became unwell, what did a normal day in your life look like, and what were some of the things you loved doing most?
‘Well, a normal day was going to school on the bus in the mornings, then coming home in the afternoon sometimes on the bus. On Mondays and Tuesdays, I would be doing touch footy which I really enjoyed playing. On days after school with no touch practice, I would play with my little brothers and our neighbours, sometimes even our puppy would play, too. I also babysat our neighbours, the younger twins. I spent most of my days outside, doing some type of craft or helping mum and dad down on the campsite (we lived on a campsite, and my parents managed the site). I was always going to my friends houses and youth, so I was everywhere and I would do a lot.’
When you first found out you had leukaemia, what was going through your mind? Looking back now, what would you tell your younger self in that moment?
‘Umm… I wasn’t very shocked to be honest. I had a gut feeling that I was very sick and just didn’t know what was wrong with me. But at the same time, it was like my brain stopped and all I could think was, oh that’s why I’ve been so run down. That’s why I’ve been feeling so sick and ill. I kind of sat there and said nothing then I looked to my parents and suddenly realised that, OMG, I’m going to lose my hair. That’s when I felt really sad and it hit me that I had cancer. I would tell my younger self that it’s okay – your hair will grow back, you will get through this, you are strong and resilient, and you have a whole lot of people who love you.’
You spent seven months in hospital, including your 13th birthday. What helped you stay hopeful on the days that felt especially difficult?
‘My best friend kept me going. Any time there was a chance for her to visit, she would drop out of school for the day and her mum would drive down her to Brisbane to see me. On my birthday, my best friend also set up (with the help of my mum) a Zoom call party with all of my really good friends from school and made sure to send birthday gifts so I could open them on the call. I also had my family, and my childhood bestie come and have cake and gifts in the ward. The nurses and doctors also made me happy and some even bought me gifts.’
Being away from home and your usual routine must have been incredibly hard. What did you miss the most, and what helped you feel connected while you were in hospital?
‘I missed my puppy so much, it was hard not having my little brothers with me constantly. I hated that I couldn’t go and run in the bush or dance in the rain. I wanted to be back in the bush so badly. One of my favourite things while in hospital was sitting at the window and watching the rain. I wanted to be out and be able to do things and run and play and swim – especially swimming in the ocean, I missed that, and surfing. My grandparents bought me a life-sized pillow which was a photo of my dog, I loved that.’
Were there any small habits, thoughts, or moments that helped you stay positive along the way?
‘I always remember that maybe there was reason beyond me that I was put here – to encourage or help other kids with cancer and be there for others going through it like me. I needed to keep going and fighting and doing my best because I have so much I want to do and so many people who love me and care for me. My mum and dad helped me keep a routine and I made a really fun routine board with my OT that helped me keep a ‘normal’ schedule.’
Now that you’re back home and in remission, what are some of the little things you appreciate more than you did before your diagnosis?
‘Touching grass, having fresh air and wind in my face. My dog, having my family and own bed, and not having to be woken up every hour to have observations done (obs). I appreciate the sun in my face and just being able to be out and about and seeing people.’
Many Teen Breathe readers might be facing challenges of their own – even if they’re very different from yours. What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone who’s going through a really tough time right now?
‘You mean so much to so many people. You keep fighting your hardest and focus on the small, happy things to keep you going. It’s a hard journey but keep fighting and don’t give up. You can feel sad and down but don’t dwell in that, see the light in the dark days and try and do things that make you happy and that you can do.’
When you think about the future, what are you most excited or hopeful about, and what dreams do you hope to pursue?
‘I hope that one day, I can go into medicine and help others. I want to do things that make me happy and I want to help others where I can. I’m excited to do everything I can and be able to be with my family and friends.’
September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month. For more information, please visit leukaemia.org.au.
