Jessica took her daughter to a doctor to look at what she thought was a lazy eye.

“We didn’t think anything of it,” Jessica said. “We didn’t realise what we were in for.”

Ava was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare cancer, in both eyes. She underwent immediate intense chemotherapy at the Royal Children’s Hospital.

“Unfortunately, it didn’t kill the cancer,” Jessica said, softly.

“Surgeons had to do an enucleation, and remove her right eye. That was very hard. We were trying to avoid that at all costs. But (clinicians) were worried the cancer would spread.”

Ava returned to the RCH last week for another round of chemotherapy.

“She still has cancer in her left eye and it’s really close to her central vision,” Jessica said. “It’s really hard because they can’t get too close … or it could make her blind, so we’re relying on the systematic chemo to work.” Jessica sighs.

“It’s been a really stubborn cancer to kill.” Jessica says hope, and belief there is “light at the end of the tunnel for Ava,” is keeping her strong. “We’re just hoping one day, it will be all done, and Ava will be healthy and better,” Jessica said.

Ava’s second birthday ticked over recently. But Jessica said they kept things low key and didn’t have a party – for Ava’s sake.

“The time between her treatments is high risk,” she said. “It’s been like Covid lockdown for us. We don’t go anywhere, we don’t see anyone. We need to protect her.”

Jessica says Ava has faced her battles with a quiet strength. Her brother, Liam, 6, is also staying strong for his little sister.

“Even after she lost her eye, it didn’t faze him,” Jessica said. “He was still there, wanting to play with his baby sister, and organise a bit of mischief for both of them. They miss each other very much.”