Rebecca Zammit Lupi, a 14-year-old cancer patient, sits in an armchair whilst receiving a hydration intravenous drip after a chemotherapy session in her room at Rainbow Ward at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre in Mater Dei Hospital, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta, June 15, 2020. Reuters photographer Darrin Zammit Lupi: "Over my career, I've seen my share of tragedy, drama, natural disasters, conflict, despair and other extreme emotions, but nothing could prepare me for my teenage daughter Rebecca having to battle Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare and extremely aggressive form of bone cancer, while the world was also dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. The evening sunlight that filtered through the window blinds into the hospital room where Rebecca sat in an armchair receiving an intravenous hydration drip as part of her chemotherapy, and the blue LED nightlight she often likes using created a particular mood that reflected the melancholy we were both feeling. This long-term project, documenting her treatment and fight against the disease, while simultaneously coping with a lockdown because of the pandemic, was unlike anything I'd ever photographed before, and became a way for me to cope with the very grim reality of what was happening. At the time, my wife and I were taking turns to stay with Rebecca at the hospital for stints lasting several weeks. That continues to be our life – since the story was published, Rebecca has had to be readmitted to hospital for further intensive treatment after her condition suddenly deteriorated." REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi/File photo SEARCH "POY STORIES 2020" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Ghada Zada, a Jordanian fashion designer and cancer patient, poses while wearing a scarf she designed, at her house in Amman, Jordan, October 31, 2020. Picture taken October 31, 2020. REUTERS/Muhammad Hamed

Ghada Zada, a Jordanian fashion designer and cancer patient, takes a selfie picture to share it with her followers on instagram, at her house in Amman, Jordan, October 31, 2020. Picture taken October 31, 2020. REUTERS/Muhammad Hamed

Ghada Zada, a Jordanian fashion designer and cancer patient, shows her hair during an interview with Reuters TV, at her house in Amman, Jordan, October 31, 2020. Picture taken October 31, 2020. REUTERS/Muhammad Hamed

Ghada Zada, a Jordanian fashion designer and cancer patient, waves for her son, at her house in Amman, Jordan, October 31, 2020. Picture taken October 31, 2020. REUTERS/Muhammad Hamed

Ghada Zada, a Jordanian fashion designer and cancer patient, looks at her followers on instagram, at her house in Amman, Jordan, October 31, 2020. Picture taken October 31, 2020. REUTERS/Muhammad Hamed

Ghada Zada, a Jordanian fashion designer and cancer patient, poses while wearing a dress she designed, at her house in Amman, Jordan, October 31, 2020. Picture taken October 31, 2020. REUTERS/Muhammad Hamed

Ghada Zada, a Jordanian fashion designer and cancer patient, reads a book at her house in Amman, Jordan, October 31, 2020. Picture taken October 31, 2020. REUTERS/Muhammad Hamed

Karina Shtotland, editor-in-chief of Israeli women's magazine Laisha, poses for a photograph as she holds up a copy of the magazine with a cover photo of Eylon Nuphar, an Israeli performing artist who chose not to have her breasts reconstructed after a double mastectomy, in Rishon Lezion, Israel October 21, 2020. Picture taken October 21, 2020. REUTERS/Corinna Kern

Eylon Nuphar, an Israeli performing artist who chose not to have her breasts reconstructed after a double mastectomy, gestures during her interview with Reuters in Tel Aviv, Israel October 21, 2020. Picture taken October 21, 2020. REUTERS/Corinna Kern

Employees look at a computer screen displaying images from Israeli women's magazine, Laisha's article on Eylon Nuphar, an Israeli performing artist who chose not to have her breasts reconstructed after a double mastectomy, at the magazine's offices in Rishon Lezion, Israel October 21, 2020. Picture taken October 21, 2020. REUTERS/Corinna Kern

Daniel and Judy Mowrey, owners of MMG Concessions and Catering, talk to Reuters about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and Daniel’s recent health problems, at their home in the Northampton County city of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, U.S., October 1, 2020. MMG lost $700,000 to $800,000 in sales during the shutdown, as the Mowreys struggled to afford Daniel's cancer care. With health and the economy as her two biggest voting issues, "Anyone is better than Trump," Judy said. Photo taken October 1, 2020. REUTERS/BrianSnyder

Daniel and Judy Mowrey, owners of MMG Concessions and Catering, talk to Reuters about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and Daniel’s recent health problems, at their home in the Northampton County city of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, U.S., October 1, 2020. MMG lost $700,000 to $800,000 in sales during the shutdown, as the Mowreys struggled to afford Daniel's cancer care. With health and the economy as her two biggest voting issues, "Anyone is better than Trump," Judy said. Photo taken October 1, 2020. REUTERS/BrianSnyder

Cancer patient Rebecca Zammit Lupi celebrates her 15th birthday with her friends Luisa Zammit and Elea Broger, following almost five months of lockdown during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak whilst she received treatment for cancer in the Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre in Mater Dei Hospital, at home in Kappara, Malta, August 3, 2020. "My 15th birthday was obviously quite a different experience for me since I couldn?t see many friends or interact with them as I normally would and also had to spend most of the day in an N95 mask. However, I got to see some of my best friends whom I hadn?t seen in months which felt great! For my birthday, I asked for donations to Puttinu Cares Foundation. I chose this charity because their mission means a lot to me, and I was thrilled that so many people contributed as a way of celebrating with me. Puttinu Cares has helped me throughout my whole experience and will continue to do so especially if I have to go to Oxford for an operation in the future, as well as helping other cancer patients," said Rebecca. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Cancer patient Rebecca Zammit Lupi celebrates her 15th birthday with her friends Luisa Zammit and Elea Broger, following almost five months of lockdown during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak whilst she received treatment for cancer in the Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre in Mater Dei Hospital, at home in Kappara, Malta, August 3, 2020. "My 15th birthday was obviously quite a different experience for me since I couldn?t see many friends or interact with them as I normally would and also had to spend most of the day in an N95 mask. However, I got to see some of my best friends whom I hadn?t seen in months which felt great! For my birthday, I asked for donations to Puttinu Cares Foundation. I chose this charity because their mission means a lot to me, and I was thrilled that so many people contributed as a way of celebrating with me. Puttinu Cares has helped me throughout my whole experience and will continue to do so especially if I have to go to Oxford for an operation in the future, as well as helping other cancer patients," said Rebecca. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

14-year-old cancer patient Rebecca Zammit Lupi uses a camera with a telephoto lens to view the Comet C/2020, also known as "Neowise", on her first outing following almost five months of lockdown during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak as she received treatment for cancer in the Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre in Mater Dei Hospital, at Marfa Ridge outside Mellieha, Malta, July 23, 2020. "I absolutely loved seeing the comet and Milky Way as I?ve always found anything to do with astronomy and the night sky very fascinating. I had never seen such a beautiful night sky and it felt nice to be outside again!" said Rebecca. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

14-year-old cancer patient Rebecca Zammit Lupi paints on an art canvas as she recovers at home after almost five months of lockdown during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak while she received treatment for cancer in the Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre in Mater Dei Hospital, in Kappara, Malta, July 21, 2020. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

14-year-old cancer patient Rebecca Zammit Lupi naps in her bedroom as she recovers at home after almost five months of lockdown during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak while she received treatment for cancer in the Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre in Mater Dei Hospital, in Kappara, Malta July 21, 2020. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

14-year-old cancer patient Rebecca Zammit Lupi naps on the living room sofa with Cookie the dog and Zorro the cat as she recovers at home after almost five months of lockdown while she received treatment for cancer during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Kappara, Malta, July 23, 2020. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Reuters photographer Darrin Zammit Lupi helps transfer his 14-year-old daughter Rebecca, a cancer patient, from her room to have an MRI scan at Mater Dei Hospital, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta, June 18, 2020. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

14-year-old cancer patient Rebecca Zammit Lupi takes a selfie with her father Reuters photographer Darrin Zammit Lupi, as she starts her return journey back home after almost five months in hospital at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre in Mater Dei Hospital while she received treatment for cancer, during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta, July 18, 2020. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

14-year-old cancer patient Rebecca Zammit Lupi and her mother Marisa Ford sit with the family dog Cookie after Rebecca arrived home after staying for almost five months in the Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre in Mater Dei Hospital during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak while she received treatment for cancer, in Kappara, Malta July 18, 2020. "When I came home, I felt ecstatic to see Cookie and the cats Zippy and Zorro! I missed them so much and by the way they reacted when I walked through the door, I'm sure they missed me too!" said Rebecca. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Rebecca Zammit Lupi, a 14-year-old cancer patient, sits in an armchair whilst receiving a hydration intravenous drip after a chemotherapy session in her room at Rainbow Ward at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre in Mater Dei Hospital, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta, June 15, 2020. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Rebecca Zammit Lupi, a 14-year-old cancer patient, reads a book on a terrace at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre at Mater Dei Hospital, during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta July 17, 2020. Marisa Ford/via REUTERS SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Marisa Ford, the mother of 14-year-old cancer patient Rebecca Zammit Lupi, is seen on a laptop screen during an interview on national television, as Rebecca sleeps in her room in Rainbow Ward at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre in Mater Dei Hospital, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta, June 20, 2020. Ford was interviewed about her experiences of being isolated in hospital for several weeks because of Rebecca's compromised immunity system during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Rebecca Zammit Lupi, a 14-year-old cancer patient, researches options for higher education on her laptop, in her bed at Rainbow Ward at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre in Mater Dei Hospital, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta, June 12, 2020. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Using the light from an LED night lamp, nurse Will Grima takes blood samples from Rebecca Zammit Lupi, a 14-year-old cancer patient, in her room at Rainbow Ward in Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre at Mater Dei Hospital, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta, June 13, 2020. "When I first met Rebecca, she was reserved and shy, as is usually the case with most teenagers who have recently been diagnosed with cancer. After a few weeks of acting like a clown and having unloaded multiple syringes of water on her and her parents, she began to open up and the real Rebecca started to shine through. She would start to smile, laugh, and joke around. She would even show me some of her art projects and show me videos of her dance acts. When she started to enjoy playing Minecraft on the PS4 in the ward, I'd often join in when I was on break. It was always a welcome respite from the administration of treatment or ward procedures. This all helped to build rapport between us. Unfortunately, those times weren't meant to last. When COVID-19 arrived in Malta and the number of active cases were on the rise, we began to fear for the safety of our patients. This was a novel virus, with no available vaccine, and we had no idea what the effects would be on immunocompromised patients such as Rebecca. New infection prevention measures were implemented. We had to don protective gear and maintain minimal contact with patients and other staff. Patients weren't allowed out of their rooms to reduce exposure, and only one parent could stay with their child. A major part of our way of nursing was stripped from us and it was a blow to everyone's spirits; patient, parent and staff," said Grima. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Rebecca Zammit Lupi, a 14-year-old cancer patient, cuts a cake during a surprise party thrown by staff to celebrate the end of her six weeks of radiotherapy treatment, in Rainbow Ward at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre in Mater Dei Hospital, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta June 5, 2020. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Rebecca Zammit Lupi, a 14-year-old cancer patient, receives a gift from radiographers Maria Elena Grech and Angelina Dimitrova after her final radiotherapy treatment session at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre in Mater Dei Hospital, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta June 4, 2020. Dimitrova said "It's always bittersweet to have a paediatric patient. Their presence brings joy, but the reason behind their attendance harbours a lot of sorrow. Although we recognise that each patient is on an earth shattering and life-altering journey, when it comes to children, it always hits a softer spot, which is why we enjoy celebrating the ends of their treatments that little bit louder and commemorating it with a small gift personal to every child." REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Rebecca Zammit Lupi, a 14-year-old cancer patient, watches her uncle Colin Zammit Lupi, an actor, sing during a live-streamed fund-raising event on Youtube for Maltese performing artists, in her room at Rainbow Ward in Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre at Mater Dei Hospital, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta, June 6, 2020. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Reuters photographer Darrin Zammit Lupi hugs his daughter, Rebecca Zammit Lupi, a 14-year-old cancer patient, after her final radiotherapy treatment session, at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre in Mater Dei Hospital, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta, June 4, 2020. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Rebecca Zammit Lupi, a 14-year-old cancer patient, sits on her bed in her room at Rainbow Ward in Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre at Mater Dei Hospital, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta, June 4, 2020. "Fighting cancer was already hard enough. Just to make things worse, we started getting COVID-19 in Malta. That week, I was just going into hospital to have chemo and little did we know... I wasn't getting out when I expected. They started lockdown. I couldn't even say bye to my dog and cats, and I couldn't even see my dad anymore. When they told us we couldn't even leave the room, or not even have the door open at first, my mum freaked out and I was sad but dealt with it somehow. One thing that was really different was the nurses. Before, I was able to go to the adolescent room, which they had just opened, and play Minecraft on the PlayStation with nurse Will Grima. Once lockdown started, any bit of fun I had was taken away." REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Rebecca Zammit Lupi, a 14-year-old cancer patient, reacts after her final radiotherapy treatment session, at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre in Mater Dei Hospital, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta, June 4, 2020. "Taking off that radiotherapy mask, knowing I'd probably never have to wear it again, felt amazing! I had never had such a smile, or any smile really, on my face after a radiotherapy session," said Rebecca. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Rebecca Zammit Lupi, a 14-year-old cancer patient, and her father, Reuters photographer Darrin Zammit Lupi, listen to an online school meeting for parents and students, in her room at Rainbow Ward in Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre at Mater Dei Hospital, during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta, May 14, 2020. "With lockdown, online school was introduced and I was finally, after 5 months of not being in school, able to join in on some lessons and communicate with my teachers. This is what I had been asking for, for months but my request for lessons to be streamed to me was declined. Once they weren't given a choice, it just showed how this was possible, so I started fighting for online school to continue post-COVID-19 for students who cannot attend school/university for medical reasons, for people like me. I am so glad that even in my toughest year, my voice was heard," said Rebecca. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Rebecca Zammit Lupi, a 14-year-old cancer patient, wears a thermoplastic mask for her radiotherapy treatment at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre in Mater Dei Hospital, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta, June 3, 2020. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Michelle Firman, a physiotherapist, visits Rebecca Zammit Lupi, a 14-year-old cancer patient, in her room at Rainbow Ward in Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre at Mater Dei Hospital, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta, May 11, 2020. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Marisa Ford says goodbye to her daughter Rebecca Zammit Lupi, a 14-year-old cancer patient, as Ford heads home for a fortnight's rest, in Rebecca's room at Rainbow Ward in Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre at Mater Dei Hospital, during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta, May 30, 2020. After a month and a half of a nation wide imposed lockdown to limit the spread of the coronavirus outbreak, parents were allowed to switch places every fortnight to stay with their children in hospital. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Doctor Silvana Zammit takes a swab sample from Rebecca Zammit Lupi, a 14-year-old cancer patient, after Rebecca displayed some symptoms of COVID-19, in her room at Rainbow Ward in Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre at Mater Dei Hospital, during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta, May 5, 2020. The test result was negative. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Rebecca Zammit Lupi, a 14-year-old cancer patient, performs some basic dance exercises for the first time in months, outside her room in Rainbow Ward at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre in Mater Dei Hospital, during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta May 15, 2020. Rebecca was a very keen ballet, hip-hop and contemporary dancer before getting ill with cancer. "There are no words to describe how much I miss dancing. Dancing was like my way of communicating without words. I loved dancing with my friends and hope to do that again in the future!" said Rebecca. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Nurse Pauline Falzon prepares an intravenous antibiotics infusion for Rebecca Zammit Lupi, a 14-year-old cancer patient, as Rebecca takes part in an online computer studies lesson in her room at Rainbow Ward in Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre at Mater Dei Hospital, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta, June 1, 2020. Rebecca's pleas for online education for ill children to continue post COVID-19 caught the attention of the national media and the authorities. "Once online school became real, I actually found studying fun! I hadn't studied in months because I never felt up to just reading the notes my friends had given me. I feel that joining some of the lessons, after being out of school for so long, made my teachers, friends and myself very happy!" said Rebecca. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Rebecca Zammit Lupi, a 14-year-old cancer patient, receives a 'Get Well' card and a piece of a friend's birthday cake, in her room at Rainbow Ward in Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre at Mater Dei Hospital, during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta May 8, 2020. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Rebecca Zammit Lupi, a 14-year-old cancer patient, hides under her blankets as she video chats with her mother who is back at home, in her room in Rainbow Ward at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre at Mater Dei Hospital, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta, April 26, 2020. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Hospital chaplain Father Mario Attard of the Capuchin Friars, holding a relic of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska of the Blessed Sacrament, blesses 14-year-old cancer patient Rebecca Zammit Lupi, as she sleeps in her room at Rainbow Ward in Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre at Mater Dei Hospital, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta June 3, 2020. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Radiographer Maria Elena Grech explains how radiotherapy works to Rebecca Zammit Lupi, a 14-year-old cancer patient, while showing her images, at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre in Mater Dei Hospital, during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta, May 15, 2020. Rebecca is now considering radiotherapy as a possible career choice. Grech said "It was fantastic to see that Becs was so keen on learning the processes that led to her daily radiotherapy treatment. She would ask us many questions about our role as radiographers and what she would need to study to enter the course at university. The fact that we were able to inspire Becs even during such difficult times, made us really proud of our profession." REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Rebecca Zammit Lupi, a 14-year-old cancer patient, takes an early evening nap with her soft toy dog Jasper by her side, after yet another exhausting radiotherapy session, in her room at Rainbow Ward in Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre at Mater Dei Hospital, during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta, May 4, 2020. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Physiotherapist Michelle Firman visits Rebecca Zammit Lupi, a 14-year-old cancer patient, for the first time since the nation-wide lockdown began to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in her room at Rainbow Ward in Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre at Mater Dei Hospital, Tal-Qroqq, Malta, April 28, 2020. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Nurse Naomi Balzan explains the protocol for the next chemotherapy cycle to Rebecca Zammit Lupi, a 14-year-old cancer patient, in her room at Rainbow Ward in Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre at Mater Dei Hospital, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta, May 2, 2020. Rebecca underwent 14 chemotherapy cycles to treat the cancer cells in her shoulder, neck, hip and liver. Balzan says "Rainbow Ward is more like a second family to me, rather than a workplace. It can be challenging at times because you witness suffering of both patients and their parents every day, but it is highly satisfying as well. The children and adolescents' smiles inspire you and make you forget all the suffering they are passing through. When parents are given the devastating news that their child has cancer, from that day their lives may change forever. Then treatment such as chemo protocol is discussed with the consultant and doctors. However due to shock and overload of information, the nurse clarifies the treatment with the patients before administering in order to feel more secure! Explaining to children and adolescents may be challenging at times because one must adapt according to different age groups and personalities. Teenagers like Rebecca can understand a complex explanation of both the diagnosis and treatment. Eventually the patients will learn treatment names by heart before their parents do!" REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Rebecca Zammit Lupi, a 14-year-old cancer patient, walks back to her bed after a bathroom visit in her room at Rainbow Ward in Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre at Mater Dei Hospital, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta April 26, 2020. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Rebecca Zammit Lupi, a 14-year-old cancer patient, bids farewell to her mother Marisa Ford in her room at Rainbow Ward in Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre at Mater Dei Hospital, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta, April 25, 2020. After seven weeks of lockdown in the ward because of the coronavirus, Marisa was able to go home for a couple of weeks' break, after her husband Reuters photographer Darrin Zammit Lupi was allowed to take over from her. "When my dad came to stay with me in hospital, it was one of the best days throughout the lockdown in hospital. I was so excited to watch many movies and the TV show Friends, which we had started before lockdown," said Rebecca. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

A painting and a photograph of Rebecca Zammit Lupi as a young child are seen next to a bottle of hand sanitizer at her home during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Kappara, Malta, March 17, 2020. The painting, by family friend and artist Johanna Barthet, is based on a photograph of her hugging her mother by her father, Reuters photographer Darrin Zammit Lupi. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Rebecca Zammit Lupi, a 14-year-old cancer patient, and her mother Marisa Ford, look at Reuters photographer Darrin Zammit Lupi through a terrace fence at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre at Mater Dei Hospital, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta April 6, 2020. It was the first time they saw each other in three weeks, after the onset of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, meant that young cancer patients and one of their parents had to remain in lockdown at the hospital for several months. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Rebecca Zammit Lupi, a 14-year-old cancer patient, reaches out her little finger towards her father Reuters photographer Darrin Zammit Lupi, for a distant pinkie hug, through a fence, on a terrace at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre at Mater Dei Hospital, during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tal-Qroqq, Malta April 6, 2020. It was the first time they saw each other in three weeks, after the onset of the coronavirus outbreak meant that young cancer patients and one of their parents had to remain in lockdown at the hospital for several months. "I was very excited to see my dad through the fence. After countless video calls every night on my laptop, it felt great to see him in person, albeit from a bit of a distance! I had never been away from him for so long even though he tends to travel a lot," said Rebecca. Marisa Ford/via REUTERS SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Strangely, I can't clearly picture the face of the surgeon who changed my family's life. I'm not sure I'd recognize him if I bumped into him in the street. And yet I can vividly recall his face turning pale the instant he looked at the X-rays of my 14-year-old daughter's shoulder. Her chronic pain had first been diagnosed as a likely inflammation, and then possibly some problem in the muscle that could be fixed with a few physiotherapy sessions. But on that day, October 31, 2019, we found out that it was Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare and extremely aggressive form of bone cancer. The cancer had started deep in the sponge bone of her humerus and then broke out through the bone surface, causing excruciating pain, then metastasizing to several other parts of her body. Rebecca, or Becs, as we call her, was suddenly fighting for her life. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi SEARCH "REBECCA LUPI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY THE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES

Mohammed al-Faify, a Saudi teacher and a cancer patient, gives online classes in Arabic to his students as he undergoes a treatment in The King Fahd Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia September 22, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri

Mohammed al-Faify, a Saudi teacher and a cancer patient, gives online classes in Arabic to his students as he undergoes a treatment in The King Fahd Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia September 22, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri

Mohammed al-Faify, a Saudi teacher and a cancer patient, gives online classes in Arabic to his students as he undergoes a treatment in The King Fahd Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia September 22, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri

Mohammed al-Faify, a Saudi teacher and a cancer patient, gives online classes in Arabic to his students as he undergoes a treatment in The King Fahd Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia September 22, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri

Mohammed al-Faify, a Saudi teacher and a cancer patient, gives online classes in Arabic to his students as he undergoes a treatment in The King Fahd Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia September 22, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri