Charlene Magri's life changed forever when her six-year-old son, Adam, was diagnosed with leukemia. What followed was a relentless journey of hospital visits, chemotherapy, and the constant challenge of balancing motherhood with the physical and emotional toll of caring for a child battling cancer. Through it all, Charlene has remained by his side, and she's now calling on the public to support families like hers by participating in the annual Puttinu Cares Good Friday Walk.

Charlene told The Malta Independent on Sunday that when she first received the news about Adam's diagnosis, she struggled to comprehend it. "When I first found out, I felt weak, like my legs were going to give way," she recalls, still vividly remembering that moment. As a doctor, Charlene had a certain level of understanding of the situation, but that knowledge didn't make things easier. "It was difficult," she admits. "I had to separate my knowledge as a doctor, and my instincts as a mother. As a mother you just want to protect your child, and it was hard not to overthink every aspect of his diagnosis."

Charlene's experience of the diagnosis has been different to that of her husband. "His story was more peaceful than mine," she says, describing how she was consumed by the emotional aspects of Adam's illness, while her husband focused more on the practical matters of their situation.

In the early stages of Adam's treatment, Charlene also had to come to terms with the uncertainty and the unknown. "There were so many moments when I couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel," she says. "I would look at Adam and wonder if he was going to make it. The fear of losing him was unbearable, and I couldn't help but think about all the 'what-ifs.'" The uncertainty of Adam's prognosis was a constant source of anxiety, and Charlene often found herself grappling with the emotional strain of not knowing what the future would hold.

The diagnosis also meant that Charlene had to spend time away from her two other daughters, something that also added to the emotional burden. "It was very difficult to be away from them while I focused on Adam," she admits. "I was torn between being there for him and being there for them."

In these challenging times, Puttinu Cares has been a key source of support. Charlene emphasises how Puttinu has been a lifesaver for them, she says. "We would not have managed without them. They gave us so much peace of mind."

She also gratefully explained how Puttinu's Angele and Rennie were like guardian angels for them. She reflects on the emotional help the organisation provides not just for the adults but for the children especially. "They went out of their way to make things easier for Adam. Every time we went to Rainbow Ward for treatment, they would give him a gift. It may sound materialistic, but these gifts help him so much, especially before the treatments."

Charlene's story highlights the profound impact that small acts of kindness can have on a child facing serious illness. "Sometimes it's the little things that make the biggest difference," she says. "The people at Puttinu have been there for us every step of the way, and their support has made this journey more bearable. I don't think we would have made it through without them."

As Adam approaches the end of his treatment, Charlene is reflecting on the importance of giving back to the organisation that has supported her family. "We know how much Puttinu has done for us, and now it's our turn to help others," she says. "That's why I'm encouraging people to take part in the Good Friday Walk. Every donation, no matter how small, can make a huge difference for families like ours who are going through similar struggles."

The Puttinu Cares Good Friday Walk, scheduled to start at midnight on 18 April, is a vital fundraising event that supports the organization's work in providing assistance to children undergoing treatment for cancer and other serious illnesses. The walk, which starts in Mellieha Square and finishes in Floriana, is an opportunity for the public to come together and show solidarity with families like Charlene's. "It's so important for people to support this event," Charlene emphasizes. "The money raised helps provide accommodation, emotional support, and other resources that families need when their children are going through treatment. Without Puttinu, many families would be left struggling to cope with the financial and emotional burden of a child's illness."

Charlene also stresses the importance of even small donations, highlighting how every contribution helps. "Even if you can't donate much, every little bit helps," she says. "When you're going through something like this, it's easy to feel isolated and overwhelmed. But knowing that there's a community out there supporting you makes a world of difference."

For Charlene, Puttinu has been more than just an organization - it has been a source of hope and comfort during the most difficult time in her life. "We wouldn't have made it through without the support of Puttinu and the wonderful people there," she says. "I'm forever grateful for everything they've done for our family."

As the Good Friday Walk approaches, Charlene's message is clear: "Please get involved, whether through walking, donating, or spreading the word. Families like mine rely on this support, and together, we can make a difference."