Lara's family pictured at their Dudelange Christmas market stand. Her youngest sister, now 11, never got to meet her. / © Christophe Hochard / RTL
Sonja Casquilho-Weiland lost her granddaughter Lara in 2010 after a two-year battle with leukaemia. Now, she campaigns to raise awareness of childhood cancers.
Dudelange resident Sonja Casquilho-Weiland and her family had their lives irrevocably changed on 7 October 2010, when 12-year-old Lara succumbed to her fight against the disease. She was diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of just ten.
The diagnosis came as a shock to the family. Sonja said it felt as though the ground moved beneath their feet when they were told of Lara's illness.
For two years, the family were shuttled back and forth between Luxembourg and Brussels, where Lara received hospital treatment. It was a bitter and emotional time, Sonja explained, as they visited every single week, while Lara's mother stayed with her throughout treatment. Sonja cared for her other granddaughter at her home for two years to help out.
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"Lara fought until the end"
"Lara motivated us," Sonja told RTL in an interview. Although the time her granddaughter spent in hospital was difficult, the young girl never complained, and tried to participate in family activities where she could.
"Grandma, please help children with cancer"
Lara's last request made to her grandmother was poignant and bittersweet - she asked Sonja to help children with cancer. Over a decade later, Sonja has endeavoured to fulfil her granddaughter's final wish. Since December 2011, she has attended every Christmas market held in Dudelange, where she fundraises and collects donations for the fight against cancer. She has raised over €47,000 to date for the "Kriibskrank Kanner" foundation - a charity which supports children suffering from cancer, and their families. The charity was an immense help to Lara's family during her illness, Sonja explains, and she wanted to give back.
Sonja believes her family's fundraising activities help to keep Lara alive in their hearts.
The Dudelange Christmas market ends on Sunday 17 December 2023. Visitors may find Sonja outside the town hall, where she sells baked goods and raffle tickets to raise money for the children's cancer charity. This year, she hopes to break the €50,000 threshold for funds raised. Every donation is welcome.
