A Perthshire mother has shared a poignant tribute to her courageous daughter, Faith Kemlo, who recently passed away at the age of 17 following an arduous three-year battle with cancer. The family, residing near Meigle, has endured immense heartache, with Faith’s passing coming almost a decade after the stillbirth of another baby sister, Iona Rose, and just five months after the joyful arrival of her youngest sibling, Sierra.
Faith’s journey through illness began when she was just 14 years old, a time when her life, according to her mother Steph Downie, was filled with the typical vibrancy and promise of a healthy teenager. The discovery of a lump on her neck in October 2022 marked the beginning of a prolonged and challenging fight against Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Despite initial reassurances from medical professionals, escalating concerns led to a definitive diagnosis in Edinburgh, confirming the presence of stage 2B cancer. A Relentless Spirit in the Face of Adversity
The severity of Faith’s condition quickly became apparent. In March 2023, she faced a near-fatal bout of sepsis, a critical infection that brought her to the brink of death. Doctors in Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, relayed grim news to her mother, giving Faith less than an hour to live. Yet, fueled by her mother’s unwavering plea to fight, Faith defied expectations, embarking on an arduous eight-month rehabilitation journey. During this period, her cancer was in remission, offering a glimmer of hope to her family.
However, the cruel reality of her disease meant that periods of remission were often tragically brief. Faith experienced several relapses, each time confronting the devastating return of her illness with remarkable resilience. The emotional toll of losing her hair repeatedly, and the physical strain of her kidneys shutting down, necessitated a halt in her chemotherapy. Even then, her indomitable spirit shone through; she instinctively knew when the cancer had returned, often before medical tests could confirm it.
The family faced further challenges with the unexpected news of Steph’s pregnancy with Sierra. Faith’s treatments continued, even as her new baby sister was born. Her step-father valiantly split his time between the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Edinburgh and Glasgow, where Faith was undergoing radiotherapy, ensuring both mother and daughter felt supported despite the physical distance. Faith’s deep love and consideration for her family were evident in these trying times, as she consistently prioritised their well-being, even surprising her mother with presents in the NICU. A Legacy of Kindness and Unfulfilled Dreams
Faith’s selflessness extended beyond her family. During her hospital stays, she became a beacon of support for other young patients enduring their own traumatic procedures. Her innate empathy and desire to uplift those around her left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. Her mother vividly recalls Faith downplaying her own immense suffering, often stating, ‘Mum, I don’t really have it that bad,’ despite being in agonizing pain with stage four cancer.
Despite her illness, Faith pursued her passions with unwavering determination. A keen horse rider, she also worked as an activities assistant at a care home, bringing joy to residents. Her artistic talents flourished as she taught herself to play the piano during her treatment, showcasing her incredible capacity for growth and creativity even in the darkest moments. Perhaps her most cherished achievement came the day before her passing, when she was awarded an honorary nursing degree, fulfilling her lifelong aspiration to become a critical care paediatric nurse. This posthumous honour is now proudly inscribed on her death certificate, a testament to her dedication and spirit.
The local community in Perth and Kinross, and beyond, is mourning the loss of this extraordinary young woman. Faith’s funeral, a celebration of her vibrant life, will be held next Thursday at Dundee Crematorium. In a touching tribute, her coffin will be hand-painted with beloved Hello Kitty and Pandora designs, adorned with a magnificent gold crown bearing the inscription, ‘Queen Faith,’ reflecting her family’s adoration and her regal spirit. Her mother, Steph, hopes to establish a foundation, ‘A Bead of Faith,’ in her daughter’s honour, to continue Faith’s legacy of kindness and support for others facing similar challenges.
The Kemlo family extends their profound gratitude to the dedicated oncology team at Ninewells Hospital and the compassionate staff of Ward 19, as well as the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh, for the exceptional care provided to Faith throughout her illness. Faith’s memory will undoubtedly live on through the countless lives she touched and the enduring impact of her remarkable courage.
Faith’s journey through illness began when she was just 14 years old, a time when her life, according to her mother Steph Downie, was filled with the typical vibrancy and promise of a healthy teenager. The discovery of a lump on her neck in October 2022 marked the beginning of a prolonged and challenging fight against Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Despite initial reassurances from medical professionals, escalating concerns led to a definitive diagnosis in Edinburgh, confirming the presence of stage 2B cancer. A Relentless Spirit in the Face of Adversity
The severity of Faith’s condition quickly became apparent. In March 2023, she faced a near-fatal bout of sepsis, a critical infection that brought her to the brink of death. Doctors in Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, relayed grim news to her mother, giving Faith less than an hour to live. Yet, fueled by her mother’s unwavering plea to fight, Faith defied expectations, embarking on an arduous eight-month rehabilitation journey. During this period, her cancer was in remission, offering a glimmer of hope to her family.
However, the cruel reality of her disease meant that periods of remission were often tragically brief. Faith experienced several relapses, each time confronting the devastating return of her illness with remarkable resilience. The emotional toll of losing her hair repeatedly, and the physical strain of her kidneys shutting down, necessitated a halt in her chemotherapy. Even then, her indomitable spirit shone through; she instinctively knew when the cancer had returned, often before medical tests could confirm it.
The family faced further challenges with the unexpected news of Steph’s pregnancy with Sierra. Faith’s treatments continued, even as her new baby sister was born. Her step-father valiantly split his time between the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Edinburgh and Glasgow, where Faith was undergoing radiotherapy, ensuring both mother and daughter felt supported despite the physical distance. Faith’s deep love and consideration for her family were evident in these trying times, as she consistently prioritised their well-being, even surprising her mother with presents in the NICU. A Legacy of Kindness and Unfulfilled Dreams
Faith’s selflessness extended beyond her family. During her hospital stays, she became a beacon of support for other young patients enduring their own traumatic procedures. Her innate empathy and desire to uplift those around her left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. Her mother vividly recalls Faith downplaying her own immense suffering, often stating, ‘Mum, I don’t really have it that bad,’ despite being in agonizing pain with stage four cancer.
Despite her illness, Faith pursued her passions with unwavering determination. A keen horse rider, she also worked as an activities assistant at a care home, bringing joy to residents. Her artistic talents flourished as she taught herself to play the piano during her treatment, showcasing her incredible capacity for growth and creativity even in the darkest moments. Perhaps her most cherished achievement came the day before her passing, when she was awarded an honorary nursing degree, fulfilling her lifelong aspiration to become a critical care paediatric nurse. This posthumous honour is now proudly inscribed on her death certificate, a testament to her dedication and spirit.
The local community in Perth and Kinross, and beyond, is mourning the loss of this extraordinary young woman. Faith’s funeral, a celebration of her vibrant life, will be held next Thursday at Dundee Crematorium. In a touching tribute, her coffin will be hand-painted with beloved Hello Kitty and Pandora designs, adorned with a magnificent gold crown bearing the inscription, ‘Queen Faith,’ reflecting her family’s adoration and her regal spirit. Her mother, Steph, hopes to establish a foundation, ‘A Bead of Faith,’ in her daughter’s honour, to continue Faith’s legacy of kindness and support for others facing similar challenges.
The Kemlo family extends their profound gratitude to the dedicated oncology team at Ninewells Hospital and the compassionate staff of Ward 19, as well as the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh, for the exceptional care provided to Faith throughout her illness. Faith’s memory will undoubtedly live on through the countless lives she touched and the enduring impact of her remarkable courage.