Cancer no more 12-year-old wins her battle against dreaded disease

At just eight years old, Alexia Waysome was well known around the oncology ward at Bustamante Hospital for Children in St Andrew. Staff gave her the nickname ‘Soldier’ for the calm courage she carried while battling bone cancer.

On Tuesday, Alexia, who has endured the loss of a leg to cancer, rang the bell at the hospital’s oncology unit, its sound signalling victory and the close of her treatment journey for the now 12-year-old.

"When I rang the bell I was very happy and still very excited,” she told THE WEEKEND STAR.

Four years ago, Alexia, who lives with her family in Longwood, St Elizabeth, slipped and hit her left leg. At first, there was no cause for panic, but things soon began to change. A few weeks later, her mother noticed swelling that would not go down and took her to a doctor, who ordered an X-ray and referred her to Mandeville Hospital. At first, she believed it was a simple infection that could be treated with antibiotics, but subtle indications from medical staff suggested something far more serious was developing. Then, after multiple medical investigations, she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. 

Her mother recalled hesitating at first, unable to process what was being asked. But Alexia, even then, showed a clarity beyond her years, urging her mother to consent because she “didn’t want to die”.

The amputation followed in 2023 and, within days, the child once described as fragile by circumstance was moving again on crutches, talking, adjusting, refusing to be still.

Alexia reflected on the long road behind her — missed school days, waves of pain, and the slow return to normal life. Today, she says, that pain is behind her. Now she is focused on living again, trying new experiences, including participating in her school’s talent and beauty competition, with finals set for June 26. 

“I was in and out of school and I used to feel a lot of pain, but that is over now. I am having fun now and trying new things like the talent and beauty competition at my school,” the young warrior said. 

For her mother, Sherie Waysome, watching her daughter ring the bell was overwhelming in the best possible way. 

“I spoke in languages that I never spoke before. … It was just a joyous occasion and I can’t stopped giving God thanks,” Sherie Waysome said as she described laughter, tears, and gratitude spilling out at once.

"She has been off chemo for almost two years, but she officially rang the bell yesterday [Tuesday], which signifies that she is cancer-free,” the mother added.

Alexia’s journey to beating osteosarcoma has not been linear. Alongside cancer treatment, she later battled COVID-19 and dengue fever in quick succession. Each time, she recovered. Each time, she kept going.

“Chemo was very awful for her. She lost her hair but it grew back. In the midst of that she contracted COVID and, two days after COVID, she was diagnosed with dengue fever and she fought that and won. I remember when she recovered in 2024 she called me and say 'Mommy I can go home now. We won again Mommy,'" Waysome said. 

Today, Alexia has a metal prosthetic leg and is awaiting a prosthetic cover. She continues to excel at Park Mountain Primary School, collecting awards and pushing forward academically, even while rebuilding physically.

Now, as she steps into her cancer-free life, Alexia is thinking beyond herself.

As she embraces her cancer-free life, Alexia says she is encouraging others who are battling the disease to remain strong and steadfast. 

"The fight can be long and hard, but don’t give up. You are going to make it. Just put God in everything that you do," she urges persons who are facing battles they believe may be insurmountable.