Cancer-fighter Leah Xuereb, 4, yesterday returned to a hero’s welcome from her relatives and friends after more than a year getting treatment abroad for her life-threatening illness.
“Leah’s been born again,” her father Jonathan said as the family emerged from the arrivals hall at the airport to rousing applause.
“We did all we could. Now everything will hopefully go well. It is the best gift I’ve received all my life... it doesn’t even compare with winning the largest sum of money possible.”
When the doctors used to ask the family if they needed anything else, he would tell them they’d like to go back home. “There’s nowhere more beautiful than the Maltese islands,” Mr Xuereb said.
Last month, Leah received treatment for a rare form of cancer in a specialised Texan hospital after treatment in London failed. It was funded by the Maltese Government and local media gave regular updates on her progress.
On Tuesday, the family was cheered onto a plane in Houston after a three-hour delay and the connecting flight waited for them to take off.
For the waiting relatives at the airport, “every minute felt like an hour”. They could not believe the toddler was finally coming home.
Last Christmas Jonathan’s mum Antonia was pacing her house in Għajnsielem, clenching holy pictures and praying to be reunited with her beloved four-year-old granddaughter Leah.
Yesterday, she was tearfully pacing the arrivals hall, clenching a bouquet of flowers and unable to believe her prayers had been answered.
“Last Christmas came and went leaving a deep vacuum in my heart. Christmas is not Christmas without the family.
“We just went to Midnight Mass, and didn’t feel like doing anything the following day. All I had was a piece of bread and some cheese, but this Christmas will be the best one ever,” the 65-year-old said as she waited with her husband to hug the girl she had not seen for 13 months.
Grandfather Loreto was lost for words and could only nod at his wife’s comments, repeating, “I can’t wait to see the girl”.
When Leah finally emerged her grandparents could not stop hugging her as she was held tight by her 14-year-old brother Owen. who had likewise not seen her for more than a year.
Beaming, he could only mouth two words, “very happy”, as he walked through the crowd.
Engulfed by cameras, Leah’s father thanked the Maltese people, the Government, the Community Chest Fund and everyone who helped “his baby”, including The Times, Puttinu Cares, Air Malta... and St Anthony.
“We spent last Christmas in the UK, crying, torn between celebrating Christmas and going through the ordeal. When we got off the plane this time, I kissed the ground. Thank you to everyone who helped give us this best gift ever: Christmas with the whole family in our native country.”
Leah’s equally emotional mother, Zhana, shared her “heartfelt gratitude” but had no words to express how happy they were to be home.
“Leah’s doing really well and we just want to go home and see her play with Owen. Everybody’s been so good – there are not enough words to describe how grateful we are,” she said.
Her husband chipped in: “When it comes to these things the Maltese have a big heart... and the prayers have reached the skies above.”
He added that Leah’s story has touched people’s hearts and whenever he logged onto timesofmalta.com he found the comments “marvellous” and encouraging.
Health Minister Joe Cassar was among those who welcomed Leah.