Before she could even remember, Daisy Irwin took on the fight of her life.
“Daisy was diagnosed at ten weeks old with biphenotypic acute leukemia, which essentially means two types of leukemia,” said Emma Irwin, Daisy’s mother.
At just six-months-old, she endured a bone marrow transplant and three rounds of chemotherapy but survived cancer.
“She’s now fifteen years old, we came home on Good Friday in 2006 and never really looked back,” said Emma. The family faced emotional and financial hardship throughout the hospitalization process.
During the challenging time, the Irwins received financial and moral support from the annual Tour De Rock fundraiser. For over a decade, Daisy has received visits from Tour de Rock riders including JP Robinson.
“What a remarkable day to see this again,” said Robinson, who remembers seeing Daisy as a toddler. “I’m speechless to be honest. It’s a long journey.”
“It means a lot because it just means that there are people out there that care,” said Daisy.
In 2017, the Irwin family suffered more hardship as Patrick Irwin, Daisy’s father, lost his battle with colon cancer. Despite the tragic loss, the family has found ways to stay positive amidst the unimaginable. Daisy, along with two sisters, have attended Camp Good Times every year.
Camp Good Times is a camp dedicated to cancer-stricken children and their families as a way to build community and lifelong friendships. Daisy and the Irwins have also organized several fundraisers to help raise money and awareness for various cancer-related charities.
“She’s a bright light and a great friend and a great leader,” said Emma. “I’m just very proud of her, she’s very inspiring to me.”
And her leadership has rubbed off on her younger sister violet who decided to save up her chore money to support the cause.
“I donated it to the Tour de Rock to help kids with cancer,” said nine-year-old Violet Irwin.
And when she turns eighteen, Daisy aims to gear up and pedal Vancouver Island alongside those who gave her hope from day one.
“It would be a really cool experience.”
Kevin Charach
