Frankie and her father, Paul, relocated from their home in Blenheim to Christchurch, where they spent months living between Christchurch Hospital and Ronald McDonald House.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Frankie\u2019s mother, Jen, remained in Blenheim with their two other children, making the journey to Christchurch whenever possible before the family moved there in 2023.<\/p>\n
Frankie is described by her parents as cheeky, caring, and funny. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
Throughout her treatment, Frankie displayed remarkable strength and bravery, often surprising her parents with her resilience. <\/p>\n
They recall her excitement during hospital visits, where she looked forward to seeing her doctors and nurses with a smile. <\/p>\n
After enduring an exhausting 799 days of treatment, the family celebrated a major milestone in November 2024: Frankie was officially clear of leukaemia. <\/p>\n
The family enjoyed a summer at home, savouring the moments of normalcy they had longed for.<\/p>\n
However, just four months into her remission, the family\u2019s hopes were abruptly shattered in March 2025 when Frankie became reluctant to walk. <\/p>\n
The bucket list is filled with adventures and activities. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
Concerned, her parents took her back to the doctor, only to be confronted with the news that Frankie\u2019s cancer had returned, this time, in her spinal fluid. <\/p>\n
\u201cYour world comes suddenly down, it really does,\u201d Paul said.<\/p>\n
Given Frankie also has Down syndrome, a bone marrow transplant was too high-risk, leaving them with no further treatment options.<\/p>\n
Jen and Paul faced the unimaginable decision to create a bucket list for Frankie, filled with experiences \u201cevery child should have\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re cramming in what people fit in about 16 years of childhood into months,\u201d Paul said.<\/p>\n
The list is filled with adventures and activities, including fishing, joining a dance class, sleeping under the stars, and learning to ride a bike.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not about us now; it\u2019s about Frankie and the other kids,\u201d Paul said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re doing what we can because we don\u2019t know \u2013 nobody does know how many months it is.\u201d<\/p>\n
Determined to make every moment special, the family have set out to fill their time with Frankie with unforgettable experiences. <\/p>\n
Recently, Frankie and her siblings had the opportunity to ride on the main float alongside Santa at the Rangiora Christmas parade.<\/p>\n
Frankie and her siblings at the Rangiora Christmas parade. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
Frankie participated in a school sports day and has spent quality time playing in her new backyard playhouse.<\/p>\n
Paul and Jen expressed heartfelt gratitude to their community, who have rallied around them with unwavering support for Frankie\u2019s bucket list. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe are truly blessed and thankful for everyone helping us make this happen,\u201d they said, overwhelmed by the kindness shown by neighbours, friends, and even strangers.<\/p>\n
The list continues to grow, and the family are open to any ideas that could further enrich their time together with Frankie.<\/p>\n