13-year-old Rose Spence has been a patient at the RCH for two years, after she was diagnosed with a six-centimeter tumour in her spine.

From the Herald Sun:

“I assumed cancer was for adults and older people, I didn’t think a child could get it,” Rose said.

What followed was chemotherapy, biopsies, surgery, steroids, stronger chemo, another surgery. The repeated surgeries caused a weakness in her back, leading to a spinal fusion, rods and screws keeping her neck in place.

But through it all, Rose kept a smile on her face that’s helped her family cope.

“I think humour is the only way to get through it sometimes,” said the teen, nominated for the Pride of Australia Child of Courage medal.

“Dad says I’ve got curves in all the wrong places.”

11-year-old Luke Shambrook, who spent a week recovering at the RCH after surviving alone in bushland for five days, has also been nominated for the award.

You can find out more and even vote for Rose or Luke in the ‘People’s Choice Medal’ here.