Threads of Strength - 14-Year-Old Cancer Survivor Raises Hundreds for Charity That Helped Her Heal

By Charities Correspondent

At just 14 years old, Summer has already faced more than most do in a lifetime.

Diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of four, she endured two and a half years of intense chemotherapy and hospital stays.

In 2022, her cancer returned, this time more aggressive and more frightening. She spent weeks in intensive care, fighting for her life with a strength that defied her years.

Now, having completed treatment for the second time, Summer is not just surviving, she’s thriving and she’s spent her summer holidays giving back.

This summer, while many teens were soaking up the holidays, Summer was handcrafting bracelets to raise money for the Dylan Strong Foundation, a charity that supported her family through her second battle with cancer.

Using her own pocket money to buy supplies, she’s already raised nearly £800 in just two weeks, closing in on the £1000 it takes to support one family for a year.

“Dylan’s story really means a lot to me,” Summer says. “I wanted to do something special to help his charity because they’ve supported me and my family too. Making these bracelets is my way of giving back and helping other children, as I know how hard it is being in hospital.”

The Dylan Strong Foundation was created in loving memory of Dylan Long, who died from a brain tumour at just seven years old.

Despite his prognosis, Dylan lived with remarkable vitality, fuelled by nutritious meals that helped him feel his best and continue doing the things he loved.

Today, the charity provides nourishing meals and snacks to families
navigating childhood cancer, ensuring no child or parent goes without the very best during the hardest of times.

Summer’s mum, Cyd, reflects on her daughter’s determination:

“We’re so proud of Summer for creating these bracelets to raise money for the Dylan Strong Foundation. After everything she’s been through, she wanted to give something back to a charity that has supported us through some of our hardest times. This fundraiser is her way of spreading hope and kindness in memory of Dylan.”

Her fundraiser is a continuation of kindness, a tribute to Dylan’s legacy and to the love his mum Louise continues to share through the foundation.

Each bracelet Summer makes is a symbol of resilience, hope, and the power of community.

They’re personalised, crafted with care, and infused with the spirit of a girl who knows what it means to fight and to be lifted by others.

If you’d like to support Summer by purchasing a bracelet or donating supplies to save her some of that pocket money she so generously gave away, you can find her on Instagram at @summer_creates_it.

Every bracelet sold brings her closer to helping another family feel nourished, supported, and seen.

You can also follow @dylanstrongfoundation to keep up to date with how Summer gets on and what her incredible fundraising goes on to do for others.

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