A teenager from Caerphilly, Eden Lewis, who was told by doctors that she had only months to live due to terminal cancer, has defied the odds and embraced life with remarkable courage and determination. At just 15 years old, Eden received the devastating news in 2022 that her cancer treatment was ineffective, leaving her family in shock. Fast forward two years, and now 18, Eden has chosen to forego further treatment that would affect her quality of life, opting instead to spend precious time with loved ones and fulfil her ‘f**k it! List’.
Recognising her extraordinary bravery in the face of adversity, the Child of Wales Awards honoured Eden with the Child of Courage award for her resilience. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer, Eden underwent intensive treatments, including chemotherapy and surgeries to combat the disease. Despite setbacks and relapses, Eden remained steadfast in her approach to life, choosing to focus on what truly matters to her.
After being given a prognosis of only months left to live, Eden made the brave decision to stop further treatment that was impacting her quality of life. Her mother, Tessa, expressed pride in Eden’s choice, acknowledging the difficulty of the decision but respecting Eden’s autonomy. Eden continued to pursue her passions, completing her GCSEs with commendable results and pursuing her dream of working with animals.
In addition to her academic achievements, Eden created a ‘f**k it! List’ filled with activities and experiences she wanted to enjoy, such as feeding big cats and attending a concert by Harry Styles. Despite being offered surgeries to remove metastases in her lungs, Eden prioritised making memories with her siblings, Logan and Faora, over medical interventions that would limit her mobility.
Embracing life to the fullest, Eden also took the time to plan her funeral, infusing it with her unique personality and humour. While the circumstances are undeniably challenging, Eden’s unwavering spirit and resilience have inspired her family and many others. Her commitment to living authentically and creating lasting memories for her siblings exemplifies her selflessness and strength in the face of adversity.