Being treated for cancer is challenging enough at any age. It can be even more challenging when the patients are young children.
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But for just one day, the thoughts of hospital visits, tests and treatments were cast aside for 23 children, who instead enjoyed a day of Disney-inspired fun.
Organised by the charity Camp Quality, the one-day camp was held at the YMCA Jamison Early Childhood Centre for children living with cancer between four and six-years-old and involved craft activities, face painting as well as lots of Disney dress-ups.
Camp leader Emily Capper said the event was a chance for the children to enjoy themselves and to forget about the dreaded c-word.
"Today they get to have a day of fun and laughter and a day of them not having to think about cancer," she said.
"It also gives the parents the chance to have a break as well."
Volunteers from Camp Quality also got into the Disney themeby dressing up and leading the children through activities and games.
Even those still going through cancer treatment were able to attend the camp, with two camp doctors involved on the day.
Ms Capper said in addition to the camp being an opportunity to not think about cancer, it gave children the chance to interact with those their own age going through a similar experience.
"It's about building that community and that relationship with others that are also in a similar situation," she said.
"It's just pure happiness here, they're laughing all day and it gives them five hours of non-stop fun."
The camp in Canberra is held every year and is one of similar events that take place around the country.
Events are also held for children aged seven to nine and 10 to 13.
Camp Quality's chief executive Kylea Tink said cancer affected not only the child being diagnosed, but also their entire family.
"It impacts everything from the way the family react to each other and often families are separated because one of the parents has to stay with the child while they are in hospital," she said.
"When a child is diagnosed with cancer it's a very traumatic experience and they're also living with a high level of fear, and the camps are designed to reduce that level of fear and they can also feel confident."
Ms Capper said the success of the camps could be measured in the laughter she heard throughout the day.
"I just love seeing them all light up," she said.
