For most three-year-olds, life should be filled with birthday cakes, toys, cartoons, playground trips, and endless cuddles from family.
But for little Darlene Marcella Xu, her childhood has been marked by hospital stays, painful treatments, and a fight no child should ever have to face.
Darlene, a three-year-old girl currently undergoing treatment at National University Hospital (NUH) in Singapore, is battling leukaemia once again after her cancer relapsed.
According to her family’s fundraising campaign on Give.Asia, doctors have informed them that without urgent treatment, Darlene may have less than six months to live.
Her family is now racing against time to raise the funds needed for what may be her only remaining chance of survival — a second bone marrow transplant.
Darlene Had Just Celebrated Her Third Birthday
Just a few months ago, there was hope.
Darlene had celebrated her third birthday after undergoing treatment in Singapore. It was a precious milestone for her family, who had already been through an incredibly difficult journey.
With the support of donors, friends, online communities, and kind-hearted strangers, Darlene was able to receive treatment and continue fighting.
For her loved ones, every smile, every small improvement, and every birthday candle meant the world.
But sadly, her cancer has now returned.
Her leukaemia relapse has placed the family in an even more desperate situation. This time, doctors have advised that a second bone marrow transplant is needed urgently.
A Second Bone Marrow Transplant May Be Her Only Chance
Darlene’s family has been told that the second transplant is her only remaining chance of survival.
However, the treatment comes with a huge financial burden.
According to the fundraising appeal, the total treatment cost is expected to reach approximately S$993,000.
At this stage, NUH is unable to proceed with the transplant until an additional S$200,000 is secured.
This means the family is now in a critical race against time.
Every day matters. Every donation matters. Every share could help Darlene’s story reach someone who is able to contribute.
For a family already emotionally drained from watching their child suffer, having to worry about money on top of medical decisions is something no parent should have to endure.
The Fundraising Effort Has Grown Across Singapore, Indonesia & Online Communities
Darlene’s story has touched many people across Singapore and beyond.
According to Give.Asia, this has now become a larger-scale fundraising effort involving communities in Singapore, Indonesia, churches, and online groups.
Many people have come together in hopes of giving this little girl another chance at life.
And this is where the wider public can help.
Not everyone may be able to give a large amount, but even a small contribution can make a difference when many people come together. A simple share on Instagram Stories, Facebook, TikTok, WhatsApp groups, Telegram chats, or community pages could help bring Darlene’s appeal to more people.
In urgent campaigns like this, visibility is everything.
The more people who know about Darlene’s situation, the higher the chance that her family can reach the amount needed in time.
How You Can Help Baby Darlene
Those who wish to support Darlene can do so through her Give.Asia campaign:
Campaign link:
https://give.asia/s/give-baby-darlene-a-chance-to-live
You can also follow the family’s latest updates, photos, and videos on Instagram:
Instagram: @babydarlene.xu
There are a few simple ways to help:
- Donate through the Give.Asia campaign
Any amount, no matter how small, can help the family move closer to the amount needed for Darlene’s treatment. - Share her campaign link
Share it with friends, family, colleagues, church groups, school groups, parenting communities, or on your social media platforms. - Post on Instagram or Facebook Stories
Sometimes, one share can reach the right person at the right time. - Keep Darlene and her family in your thoughts and prayers
For families going through medical crises, emotional support matters too.
A Little Girl Deserves A Fighting Chance
Darlene is only three years old.
She should be learning new words, playing with toys, making cheeky faces at her parents, and enjoying the little joys of childhood.
Instead, she is fighting a life-threatening illness while her family fights to secure the funds needed for her treatment.
Her story is heartbreaking, but it is also a reminder of how powerful community can be.
In Singapore, we have seen time and again how people can rally together when someone is in urgent need. Whether it is through donations, prayers, shares, or simply helping to spread the word, every act of kindness counts.
Darlene’s family is hoping for one more chance.
One more chance for treatment.
One more chance for recovery.
One more chance for their little girl to grow up.
During this critical six-month window, public support could make all the difference.
For those who are able to help, please consider donating or sharing Darlene’s campaign.
Even a simple share could help her story reach more people — and possibly help give Baby Darlene the chance to live.
