FOR Mariam Haddara, 14, living with a life threatening illness is “a part of life.”

When she was aged seven, Mariam was diagnosed with a Ewing’s Sarcoma in her foot.

“When it first happened, we were not prepared and it was hard. But we are used to it now,” Mariam’s mum Naziha said.

“My daughter is very brave and strong and has taken to the surgeries and medications well. The illness is now a part of her life and doesn’t affect her much anymore.”

While most seven-year-old girls are busy playing with dolls and running around a playground, Mariam’s childhood was spent at the Royal Children’s Hospital receiving treatment for her tumour.

“I didn’t have all my childhood, but I didn’t know any better,” Mariam said.

Naziha told Star she was grateful to Very Special Kids for their support.

“Very Special Kids valued the entire family’s happiness, including Mariam’s siblings,” she said.

Very Special Kids have sent the Haddara family on trips and camps to give them a break from their troubles.

“I love going on the camps, it’s really fun. There are seven kids in our family and going away together isn’t something we can afford,” Mariam said.

Bunnings Altona will be holding a fun activities day on Saturday 11 September to raise money for the Very Special Kids’ Piggy Bank Appeal.

Very Special Kids CEO David Agnew said they were delighted Bunnings Altona had chosen to support the Piggy Bank Appeal.

“Every year we rely on businesses, individuals and community groups to help us raise more than 75 per cent of the $4.5 million it costs to provide our services to more than 850 families across Victoria caring for children with life-threatening illnesses,” he said.

“The Piggy Bank Appeal is our largest annual fundraiser, aimed at raising more than $1 million.”