For most children, ringing a bell might signal the end of a school day.

However, for 12-year-old Newcastle girl Imohgen Alo, it marked the conclusion of something far bigger. 

Surrounded by family, friends and staff on Friday 6 March, she rang the bell at John Hunter Hospital, celebrating the end of her cancer treatment after being diagnosed with the rare blood condition, T-cell lymphoma, in 2024.

At the time, Imohgen was a typical active 10-year-old who loved sport and spending time with everyone.

But, her diagnosis came suddenly when her grandmother noticed a lump on her neck while one evening. 

The lump, which appeared almost overnight, sat at the base of her neck and the top of her chest and looked about the size of a golf ball.  

Concerned, her mum Stevie took her to their local GP.

Initial blood tests came back clear, but further scans and testing eventually led the family to John Hunter Hospital, where doctors discovered a large mass in her chest which was about the size of her father’s fist. 

A biopsy then confirmed the devastating news.

Imohgen had blood cancer. 

Within days, the young Newcastle girl was thrown into a series of life-saving treatment, including eight months of intensive chemotherapy, frequent scans and long stays in hospital. 

Despite the seriousness of the treatment, Imohgen says she tried to focus on taking things one step at a time.

“I just prioritised getting through each treatment, so this achievement kind of snuck up on me,” she admitted. 

“It wasn’t something that I had really thought about but I am so glad that I got here.”

Like many children undergoing cancer treatment, Imohgen experienced significant challenges, including losing her hair – something she handled with remarkable courage. 

Even during those hardest moments, she still found ways to keep her spirits high. 

“Sometimes the nurses would come in with water syringes… and we’d have little water fights in the hospital room,” Imohgen said. 

“It made the days a lot more fun and always put a smile on my face.

“I had so many of my friends and family come visit me in hospital. 

“It was a really good distraction and helped keep me strong. 

“My family has been my biggest support. 

“They were there beside me through the whole thing.”

Stevie says watching her daughter face cancer with such resilience helped the entire family cope throughout the tough times. 

“Immy’s strength and resilience through this whole experience really became our anchor as parents,” she said. 

“Without that strength from her, her father Ray and I don’t know how we would have gotten through it.

“Seeing your child go through something like that is probably the hardest thing any parents will ever face.”

Stevie also explained how navigating treatment while caring for the couple’s younger son, Haize, was another major challenge. 

“It was extremely hard going through something like this while also trying to care for our son,” she said.

“Ray and I had to take turns looking after each of the kids, so we spent a lot of time apart during that period. 

“The village of people behind us offering support was incredible.

“We are so thankful for every single one of them.”

During treatment, Imohgen also had to balance her health battle with staying connected to school. 

At times, she joined lessons remotely from hospital using a tablet and a virtual classroom robot. 

However, even while undergoing treatment, she never lost sight of the things she loved most. 

A passionate athlete, Imohgen plays touch football, rugby league and union. 

After completing the most intensive part of her treatment last year, she quickly returned to sport. 

“She even made the under-14 touch representative side and the under-14 Wildfires team,” Stevie said. 

“I wasn’t expecting her to jump back into her sport so quickly but she has a natural gift and passion for playing footy. 

“It was so good to see her play again.”

Now in remission and nearing the end of her treatment, Imohgen is looking forward to returning to everyday life. 

“I am excited to just enjoy being a normal kid again,” she told the Newcastle Weekly. 

“After this I have to go back to school.

“But, we are having a party tomorrow to celebrate with all my friends and family who supported me through everything.” 

The 12-year-old now hopes her story can offer encouragement to others facing their own challenges. 

“If you’re going through a hard time, just keep pushing and eventually you will come out on top,” she said.

“It might be hard now, but I promise it does get better.”

For more information and blood cancer support, visit leukaemia.org.au

For more community stories:

• Viv Allanson OAM named Charlestown’s Local Woman of the Year
• Broadmeadow offers fresh start for disengaged teens
• Newcastle plant operator ranks sixth in the world

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.