Family is everything, and the bond between siblings is truly special. Meet Meagan and Laurence Collard, a loving couple from Australia who had always dreamed of adding a little girl to their happy family. When Meagan discovered she was pregnant with a girl, the whole family rejoiced with excitement.
Welcome to the world, baby Piper! The arrival of their precious daughter brought immense joy to the Collard family. Piper grew up as a beautiful and healthy baby, hitting all the milestones at the right time. However, their happiness soon turned into concern when Piper started experiencing vomiting and developed a fever.
Worried for their little girl’s health, Meagan and Laurence wasted no time and took Piper to see doctors. She was diagnosed with an ear infection and given medication to treat it. But unfortunately, the vomiting returned a month later, accompanied by a lump in Piper’s stomach. Their worst fears became a reality when they learned that Piper had neuroblastoma, a type of cancer commonly found in infants.
Neuroblastoma is a rare and aggressive cancer. Every year, about 700 to 800 new cases are diagnosed in the United States alone. In Piper’s case, the cancer had already spread from her adrenal glands to various parts of her body, including the liver, lymph nodes, abdomen, chest cavity, and ovaries.
Despite the devastating news, Meagan, Laurence, and their family were determined to fight for Piper’s survival. At just 11 months old, Piper endured multiple sessions of chemotherapy, a stem transplant surgery, radiation, and immunotherapy. These treatments were painful and exhausting for Piper, but her parents held onto hope as she started to show signs of improvement.
There was a moment of respite and joy when Piper was able to be home for Christmas. However, their happiness was short-lived when they discovered that Piper’s cancer had returned and spread even further than before. Desperate to find a solution, Meagan and Laurence tried to enroll Piper in an overseas medical trial, but unfortunately, her liver function was too low, and they were turned down.
More rounds of chemotherapy were attempted in the hopes of improving her liver function. Sadly, Piper’s health deteriorated rapidly after the fourth day of chemo. On June 17th, 2019, Meagan and Laurence received the heartbreaking news that there was nothing more they could do for their precious daughter. They were advised to take her home and shower her with all the love they could give.
On June 20th, 2019, Piper appeared happy and cheerful, playing with her adoring big brothers. Unfortunately, her condition took a turn for the worse, and she began vomiting blood. Meagan reached out to the nurse, but all she could do was provide pain relief medication. That night, Piper Winifred peacefully passed away, leaving her family shattered and consumed by grief.
The day of Piper’s funeral was a somber occasion, marked by a touching and heartbreaking moment. Piper’s five-year-old brother, Cayden, bravely carried her tiny casket, his way of bidding a final farewell to his beloved sister. It was a simple yet profound gesture that encapsulated the unbreakable love shared between siblings.
In honor of their angel Piper, Meagan and Laurence created The Piper Project on Facebook. Through this platform, they share Piper’s story, hoping to educate and raise awareness about neuroblastoma. Piper may no longer be physically present, but her spirit lives on through the love and memories she left behind.
Rest in peace, sweet Piper.
