Ned's inspiring journey, from being a toddler with leukaemia to becoming a cancer survivor about to begin university, is one of many achievements that he has worked hard to attain. Loretta and Michael, his parents, described themselves as relieved and grateful saying:

"We hope this good news story can inspire other parents and children, in the way the stories of the families before us made us realise that sometimes miracles do happen."

As a guest speaker, at two Camp Quality events, Ned spoke publicly of the trials and triumphs of his journey, and he has shared his insightful and positive story below which he hopes will help others.

My name is Ned Waters, I am 18 years old and I am very proud of my cancer survivorship. I am sharing my story in the hope that it will inspire other kids living with cancer and give hope to their families.  I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia when I was fourteen months old and started an intensive chemotherapy regimen as I was diagnosed as high risk.

I had two years of chemotherapy and then another five years of the usual blood and other tests until I was declared cured when I was about 8 years old. Although I was a baby when treatment started, I have many, mostly positive, memories of my time in hospital including seeing Donna’s happy face each time I went to clinic, play therapy with Cathy and Lisa, Chrissie singing in clinic, Dr Kellie and his bowtie and the fun Christmas parties in clinic.  Through hospital I was introduced to Camp Quality where I had some of the best times of my childhood with my sister Scarlett and other children living with cancer. 

My early experience has had a major impact on my life and also affected my sister Scarlett who was born during my first year of treatment.

Last year we spoke at two gala fundraisers for Camp Quality about our different experiences growing up with cancer, me as the patient and Scarlett as the sibling. Although it was terrifying sharing our stories with so many strangers, the experience helped me grow in confidence and also gave me a platform to share my story to help other children and families who are currently going through treatment. 

During this time, it was also helpful to hear my parents' stories about my early life in the hospital and the amazing doctors, nurses and staff who cared for all of us. Hospital became our home away from home and it was where I learnt to walk with my drip pole and to count by lining up my Thomas the Tank engine trains across my hospital cot. Mum reckons I was probably the only two-year-old in the hospital that demanded the doctors wear a yellow stethoscope before listening to my heart. Yellow is still my favourite colour! 

Despite being sick so young I have always enjoyed playing sport and piano. I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to go to music lessons, swimming training and play rugby, soccer and water polo throughout my school years.

In Year 5, I started school at St Aloysius’ College and was instrumental in starting the annual World’s Greatest Shave fundraiser for the Leukaemia Foundation at school.  

My proudest moment at  school was making the Firsts in Waterpolo. I was also lucky enough to compete at state and national waterpolo tournaments with my club team in my high school years. Although I loved playing rugby at school, my dream is to have a career in the management side of rugby league. I graduated from school last year with a decent HSC result and ATAR ranking. In March I will start a B. Exercise and Sports Management at UTS and most exciting news of all - is that I have also just started an internship with the corporate and membership teams at West Tigers Rugby League. 

Read more about Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.