Caitlin Murphy

I am walking 50km for my sister, Summa King

Every month in Australia, 90 children are diagnosed with cancer. And one of those children is my sister, Summa.

On September 13th, 2019, my 9-year-old sister was diagnosed with B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Our lives changed in an instant. Summa faced a relentless battle that lasted more than two years. During most of her treatment, she was in Brisbane, away from us. I watched my brave sister endure so much – the emotional toll of losing her hair not once, not twice, but three times, and the long stretches of time spent in hospital. But despite everything, Summa never gave up. By the end of her treatment in November 2021, she was in remission. A stronger, braver version of herself. 

But just when we thought she was in the clear, things took a devastating turn. For 6 months, Summa was experiencing bone pain, fatigue, nausea, and high temperatures. We went from doctor to doctor, test to test, with no answers. Finally, an MRI revealed bone marrow abnormalities, and on April 17th, 2025, we learned the heartbreaking news: Summa’s leukaemia had relapsed.

At just 15 years old, Summa was facing the same battle, all over again. This time, the fight has been even tougher. Leaving Townsville to have treatment in Brisbane, she left leave behind the new life that she had worked so hard at building for herself: her family, friends, school, work and puppies. The first few days were brutal, and Summa faced a terrifying complication called Tumour-Lysis Syndrome, where she was placed in the Paediatric ICU. Her kidneys couldn’t keep up with the toxins being released into her bloodstream, and she was put on dialysis. After five days in ICU, Summa was transferred back to the Oncology Ward for ongoing treatment. Her blood work has been concerning, and she’s already needed three blood transfusions, seven bags of platelets, and two bags of plasma. This is just the beginning of her fight.

The physical, emotional, and financial toll of her treatment is overwhelming. The next few years will be filled with ongoing treatment, more tests, more difficulty days and even more uncertainty.  

Summa’s journey is one of incredible strength, resilience, and the unwavering support of the people around her. Our family, friends, and community have been with her every step of the way. It’s tough, and the road ahead is long, but Summa’s determination and courage inspires us all. We know that, with the love and support of everyone who’s been part of her village, she can make it through this. Redkite has been a lifeline for our family- providing financial relief, emotional support, and practical help through every stage of Summas journey. Your donations helps them continue to support families like ours when we need it the most.

Our family had original signed up, as a family, to fundraiser for the Heartbreak to Hope walk. As Summa has relapsed she will no longer be able to participant however all KMs walked and funds donated will be collected under Summas Team and will go directly towards this cause.  

Thank you for being part of Summa’s village. We appreciate every donation, every share, and every bit of support.