Child In A Million: Molly and Tahlia’s Story
This new series of observational documentaries explores a variety of rare and complex medical conditions and pioneering treatments at one of the most famous children’s hospitals in the world – London’s Great Ormond Street.
Filmed over eight months, the series follows 12 children and their families at home and in the hospital, as doctors diagnose and treat their conditions using cutting edge techniques.
This opening programme features Molly who suffers from a rare form of cancer, and Tahlia, whose windpipe is so narrow she can barely breathe.
Four-year-old Molly has a form of kidney cancer called Wilms’ tumour. The condition is normally found in younger children and is relatively easy to treat, but the cancer has gone unnoticed in Molly for so long that it has spread to her chest. Having already been through months of chemotherapy and had one kidney removed, Molly now has three life-threatening tumours which surgeons must remove.
But none of this seems to daunt Molly who remains happy and talkative at all times. “As ridiculous as it sounds,� says Rob, Molly’s dad, “you get by through the strength of your child.�
Molly’s consultant at Great Ormond Street is Gill Levitt, a specialist in Wilms’ tumour who has worked at the hospital for some 20 years. She explains that the tumours in Molly’s chest may still be active, but surgery to remove them would be life-threatening. Due to the proximity of one of the tumours to the heart, in fact, surgery may not even be possible. Levitt hopes that a new scanning technique – only recently being tested on children – will reveal if the tumours are active, without the need for invasive surgery.
Two days after Molly’s scan, it seems that Levitt’s technique has worked, but the news is not good. The cancer in Molly’s chest is still active, despite the chemotherapy, so she is booked into surgery with Professor Martin Elliott, one of the hospital’s top surgeons. Elliott and his team plan two operations to remove the tumours, but they are well aware of the risks involved. Because one of the tumours is so close to Molly’s heart, it may be too risky to remove it. The only way to find out for sure, however, is to go ahead with the operation. “It remains one of those rare bits of surgery in the modern era,� Elliott explains, “where you can only find out by doing it – which is not an ideal situation.�
As the surgeons prepare for the first of the operations, it is a very stressful time for Molly and her parents. Rob and Emma, Molly’s mum, try to remain strong for their daughter, knowing all the time that her life hangs in the balance. Dr Levitt remains positive, but admits that if the surgery fails, “we’re in serious trouble.�
Great Ormond Street does not have an accident and emergency department, so when a child arrives by ambulance, it can only be a very serious case. One-year-old Tahlia has been rushed to the hospital with breathing problems, and is taken immediately into the critical care unit while her parents look on.
It is only now that Alison and Paul discover that their daughter suffers from longsegment tracheal stenosis – a condition that means her windpipe is very narrow in places. The disorder, which can be present at birth or be acquired through trauma or infection, is so rare that only one in five million people suffer from it.
Many children in the past have died from Tahlia’s condition, but Professor Elliott and his team changed all that with a revolutionary new surgical technique that shortens and widens the trachea.
Tahlia’s situation, however, proves a challenge even for Elliott’s team. As she is rushed into theatre, the surgeons discover that Tahlia’s windpipe is less than a third of the size of that of a normal child. With a tube just 1.8 millimetres thick through which to breathe, Elliott reflects, “it’s incredible this child is alive.�
Sadly, after successful surgery to remove Molly’s tumours, the cancer returned and she died at the end of 2006. Her parents have asked for the programme to be shown as a tribute to her life.
This episode of Child In A Million will air on Channel Five on the 21st February from 8-9pm
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I have just watched a Child in a million about Molly and my heart goes out to her lovely parents. What a beautful little girl, I can’t believe that life is so cruel to take away a little girls life like that. She deserved so much more.
RIP molly, who died of that cancer condition. Just finished watching the program, she looked like a relatively smart young girl, very adorable indeed, and well although earth has lost a soul,heaven has gained an angel.
I’ve just finished watching A Child in a Million and I was so happy and hopeful that Molly would be cured. Then for the cancer to return so soon and for her to die was so upsetting. I burst into tears. Life is so unfair. God bless Molly. She was such a delightful little girl. May she rest in peace. My best wishes to her wonderfully brave and loving parents.
How sad …and what a brave family …my heart goes out to you….just finished drying my eyes after watching this remarkable story …God Bless you
I too have just watched the programme and was in tears throughout it. I can’t imagine how i would cope if i had to go through something like that with my 2 sons, i have a 3 year old and a 1 month old. It made me realise how selfish and weak i am at trivial things and my heart goes out to Molly’s parents and others who go through this every day.
She seemed a brave little girl with so much character.
It’s just so wrong that some children pass away so young and before their parents.
Bless her.
I really think we can all reflect on our own lifes after watching an amazing little girl called Molly and her lovely family on child in a million. Molly’s story was truely inspirational and it was so sad that she lost her fight to cancer. But her strength and spirit for life should influence us all to make the most of our lives because she really did.
RIP Molly!
we have just watched A Child In A Million and we were happy to hear that molly had got rid of the cancer, but then found out that she had it again and died, this made us upset that such things could happen to a young girl.
;( By Marisa & Lara. ;(
Can’t stop crying after watching Mollys story on a ‘Child in a Million’. She was truly, just that, and her parents Rob and Emma are two parents in a million. How brave and special you are to let that filming go ahead as a tribute to Molly. I was in shock to hear that she had died after successful surgery, and watching her start school.
Her face and personality lit up the world. What a special little girl and how unfair life is.
How tragic to loose such a beautiful, happy and courageous child like Molly. The news that she lost her battle was devastating. I can only imagine what the parents must be going through. They were all so courageous and full of so much love. I pray they will find some peace and that Molly is watching over them all from heaven.
I just want to say how brave Mollys parents are for letting that program go to air. Molly was truly a child in a million. So brave and such a gorgeous happy little girl. There truly is no justice in this world.
Cannot believe how upset the program has made me and my partner. We have a young child ourselves and would be devestated.
I just think Mollys parents are truly brave too.
Her character is an inspiration to us all. She was a fighter. It makes you realise how precious life is.
I dont know if Mollys parents are reading this but if you are your daughter is a complete inspiration and im sure shes touched hearts of millions around the UK this evening. Remember that she is at peace now. She’ll always be with you.
RIP little Molly
What a beautiful little girl, and such brave parents.
God bless you x
I cannot imagine a dry eye was watching tonight, even the broadcaster’s voice giving out the helpline website address was breaking. Thank you for letting us all see your beautiful little girl. We have all learnt a lesson from her and yourselves. God bless you all, Mollie, Emma, Rob and Megan.
Watching the program brought back memories of the time my daughter was ill. She was 2 years old at the time and was also diagnosed with a Wilm’s tumour with lung secondaries. I was shocked to find out that Molly lost her battle against this cruel disease. It made me realise how fortunate we are that are daughter is still with us and is now a cheeky 9 year old. Why is life so cruel ?. My heart goes out to Molly parents.
We would like to thank you all for your beautiful messages Rob and i have read them all.
We wanted to show Mollys programme to give others hope and also to show the nation how proud we are of not only our Molly but all the children fighting all kinds of diseases that they should not have to
God bless you all and keep watching Child in a Million
The show is a testament to all the fab doctors and nurses at GOSH that help give us the strenght to go on.
Love emma and Rob Biederman x
Watched Child in a million too. cryed my eyes out for an hour at the end. im only 13 and it shows you how lucky you are to have a healthy life.
R.I.P Mollyxxx
just to say that i am still having tears about molly too….
i was totally devastated for molly and her family too
i couldnt sleep that night i kept watching it
i just kept thinking how excited she was to be going to school
to learn how to stand on her hands
and i bet she was such a proud older sister to megan too
all just too sad what people have to go through
she was such a little darling and now such a little angel i bet she is very loved where she is now
my love and best wishes go to molly and her family
one positive thing is i am going to do sponsored walk in honour of molly in aid of great ormond stree
molly you really have touched my heart god bless you little one…..
xxxxx
I watched “child in a million” almost knowing from the start it’s the sort of programme that makes me cry and sure enough just 1 minutes in,I was in tears.There was so much in beautiful amazing Molly that reminded me of my 4 year old daughter Jenna from the exact same pink boots to being a real Daddy’s girl.
Dear Emma and Rob,words cannot express what I feel for you,your daughter truly was one in a million.I’m thinking of you a lot,
Julie xxx
Still crying nearly a week after hearing Mollys story, What a special little girl she was. She remined me so much of my own 4 year old daugheter every time I cuddle her I think of Molly and how lucky I am to have her, and that sets me off crying again. Now im letting her get away with murder cos I know im so lucky just to have her, probably not the best way forward! Wishing you all the best for the future, Hope that your new baby daughter brings you lots of happiness, and i’m sure the happy memories of lovely little Molly will, will make you smile for your whole life.
Sweet dreams Molly.
wishing little Megan all the best in her life.
How can life be so cruel?
SarahXxx
molly pass away 7 or 6 month after remove tumor lungs and heart
lucky megan no got tumor
I watched A Child in A Million lat week and I was crying all through it, it was such a mean way for poor Molly to die, though I’m sure, like she said, is looking out for her baby sister Megan. RIP Molly… my heart goes out to Emma and Rob, Molly will always be looking out for you xxx
To comment on tonights show following Alex and Matthew, see the article linked to below.
http://www.unrealitytv.co.uk/reality-tv/child-in-a-million-story-of-alex-and-matthew/
God bless Molly. It was the most moving programme I’ve seen in my whole life.
“Well, I’m quite happy because I really want to learn how to stand on my hands!!”
What a beautiful little girl…
I watched the story about Molly and was heart broken at the end of the programme, to hear that she died.
May her courage through her illness and her beautiful smile be an inspiration to all of us..
My thoughts are with her brave parents…
Its over a week since I saw Molly on child in a million and I am still thinking about her. What a very special little girl she was, with such an adorable character.
She reminded me so much of my own four year old daughter and my heart goes out to Emma and Rob.
Megan is a lucky little girl to have two such wonderful parents and I am sure she will always have her own gaurdian angel “Molly”. A little star.
I was really pleased when I found out about the programme coming on because I want to be a child nurse, so I thought it would be a great chance so see live what it would be like working in that kind of environment. I got really tearful when I became aware of Molly’s condition. I was so happy for her when she was apparently cured. Then when she died, it gave me a lump in my throat and I really felt for her family. It just shows how precious Molly was, and how desperately God wanted to meet her. She was a beautiful young girl who deserved to be able to live a long and happy life. I hope her parents are coping well. I could never imagine loosing a child, but i know it’s probably extremely terrifying, but Emma and Rob, you will get through this, because Molly wanted you to. She’s happy where she is and i’m sure she wants you to be. All my best Chelsea Aged 16
I recorded Child in a Million last week and I have just been catching up on my recorded programmes today and am so sad after seeing cute little Molly. She was an absolute darling and i cried my eyes out at the end when i realised that she hadn’t survived the cancer. I lost my little girl Naomi 4 years ago on 8th March 2003 and she was only 9. I know exactly what her parents will be going through and my heart goes out to them. We will always remember our little angels and the joy that they brought to our lives, even though it was only for a short time.
R.I.P. Naomi, Molly and all heavens other little angels xxxx
A new charity in honour of Molly!!
http://www.wecanbeatwilms.org/p_About_Us.ikml
What a precious adorable angel Molly was.
My tears flowed for Rob and Emma, for Megan who will never know her sister and for Molly taken away at such an early age.
What a beautiful family you are.
Just wanted to say we are now weeks passed Molly’s story being shown on TV and I am still fighting back the tears,she grabbed my heart the minute I seen her on TV,and I cant believe she has gone.She was a little treasure and I am glad Rob and Emma that you both allowed her story to be shown,It really makes everyone who is a parent take a good look and treasure every moment we have with our kids.
I hope as a family you all are well,and whenever I visit the cemetary I will place a flower for Molly too..A credit to you both.
I was so shocked when I heard Molly had died, she was so happy to be starting school, I hope she did manage to go for a while before her cancer returned. She was such a beautiful happy little girl, can’t think of her without crying.
i thought it was sad to hear about molly she was a bright young girl who was absoultly amazing and would of gone far
rip molly may your spirit goes on forever i feel for your mumu and dadu
there is an account been set up now with GOSH in the name of MOLLY BIEDERMAN….
please look and please donate now matter how small…
michelle
please look
http://www.wecanbeatwilms.org
thanks
michelle
I cannot believe that people are still thinking about us and we really are truly thankful to everyone as well as this wonderful web page that helps interact us all
Megan is now 6 months and so like her sister it is scary!
She my be fairer in appearance but her character is certainly going to be a challenge
thank you so much again for all your support and kindness it is so hard without moo but we will fight on at wecanbeatwilms.org
charity to help others who do not even know WILMs is there until it maybe to late……………
LOL Emma Biederman Proud MUM
Time has flown by and I understand if people do not log on but time is still here with us…..
We thank everybody for there prayers for Molly and can only get stronger we have raised for WILMS £17,200.00 since March for research and help to children with WILMS through not just asking for money but ferrari days (what a laugh of you are petrol heads like my husband)Cancer runs and lots more thank you Molly would be proud !!
Emma Mollys mummy Megan is now 11 months old!!
Moos b day on 12 th november she will be 6 not she would be she will be 6!!
MXXX
Hi Rob & Emma, I know we haven’t spoken in years but that doesn’t mean that me and my family don’t think about you and what you have been through. It is something that no-one should have to deal with - losing their child. Kirsty ran race for life in memory of Molly and her grandad (my dad). We were so proud of her when she filled in the number sheet with molly’s name and she did the race in 27 minutes and managed to raise £75. Anyway our thoughts are always with you and we are very sorry about your great loss. I am sending our love to you all. xxxxxxxx
what a brave little girl molly was so wise and beautiful too.i know what rob and emma are going through i recently lost my only child to cancer on 10 sept 2007 he was only seven.R.I.P Molly and Atticus two more angels in heaven xoxox
Dear Sam
I am so so sorry for the loss of your son, it is very strange as 10th September is my birthday and I find it so hard to deal with that as Moo is not here with me, but now i will always remember the day for Atticus and you and blow a candle out for him and Molly together.
We will never get over our loss but somehow learn to deal with it.
Please log on to wecanbeatwilms.org website as it is about all children and not just wilms cancer.
MX
Please go onto a website called gonetoosoon.co.uk amd light a candle for Molly and leave messages whenever you feel like it.Just look under ‘M’ for Molly and leave your message it really does make you feel better.You can also set up a place for your loved ones too.
Take care and love to Rob,Emma and Megan xx
Sorry I forgot the name of the website that will take you to little Mollys site.
Sorry I am trying to give you a link straight to the site so you don’t have to search through it.
Thank you Julie I have left a mesage on the gonetoosoon web site it is lovely………..
MXX Mollys mummy
Hi Emma,
I wanted to do the site before christmas but I didn’t know if it would be the right time to do it as it was so close to Mollys passing.
I am very relieved that you are happy about the site as I made several attempts to put one up for Molly but didn’t want to upset you or your family but each time I visited that site and saw the candles lit and the beautiful poems etc. I thought Molly really deserves to be on there plus hopefully it will bring more people to your site too and help raise more money for wilms.
Thanks for allowing me to do this and take care.Your baby was truely a Child In A Million.
Julie XXX
To Mandy thinking of you and Naomi on the 8th March
MXXXXXXXXXX