Calleigh Cairns’ courageous fight

The earthly battle for a young girl with cancer from the east end came to an end last week.
The death of Calleigh Cairns, 4, of Altenburg was announced by the family in an Aug. 19 message on the Calleigh’s Fight Facebook page, which chronicled Calleigh’s battle since early 2020.
“It was a long and emotional journey, but she has fought so hard and now can lay down the sword and rest,” Calleigh’s mother, Chris Cairns wrote. “There is a quietness in the house and huge hole in all of our hearts but we are all so grateful she is no longer in pain and can run and play and see her other grandparents. Today, Calleigh won the fight. She is cancer free. She is a victorious warrior.”
“We miss our little sweet heart,” Calleigh’s father, Nathan Cairns wrote in an Aug. 23 Facebook post, along with a picture of his wife looking into their daughter’s casket. “She has turned our world upside down over the last year and a half, but today she is at peace. I thank you all for the prayers for sweet little Calleigh Jean. You are all a Godsend. We love you all for the love you have shown our family.”
“Our community has been amazing,” Chris Cairns said. “The love and support we have received from them has helped us not only financially with her medical and living expenses, but emotionally and spiritually as well. Knowing that so many people were touched and inspired by her brings us a sense of her purpose during her short four years.of life. We could never thank this community enough for all they have done and for the prayers that were lifted in her name. We truly believe the prayers helped us have much more time with her and many experiences we would not have had the pleasure of enjoying with her.”

The family first became aware of Calleigh’s diagnosis in January 2020. Soon after, the Calleigh’s Fight Facebook page along with the #calleighsfight hashtag were ways of sharing information on her condition to friends and family.
“The Calleigh’s Fight page began as a way to keep family and friends informed of her condition,” Chris Cairns said. “But her spirit shone through and it became a worldwide support system. So many people around the world felt a connection to her and sent so much love and prayers. Because of her page, the world mourned when her fight was over.”
The page provided a way for the Cairns family to get connected with others going through similar journeys and experiences, according to Chris Cairns.
“We also connected with many families who were experiencing the same things we were,” she said. “We are still in contact with them and try to support them as much as they have loved and supported us.”
Soon, the Calleigh’s Fight page will change from a fight page to a legacy page.
“We will be creating a foundation in her name to raise funds to help those battling childhood cancer,” Chris Cairns noted. “Childhood cancer only receives four percent of cancer research funds and our children are worth more than four percent. We will carry on her memory by continuing to fight for her and all the children with childhood cancer, as well as their families.”