Just to get to this point has been nothing short of a miracle. When she was just five years old, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL). For the next two years, Beni underwent gruelling chemotherapy, plus regular trips to then Wagga Base Hospital and Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick. 

Beni missed the first day of kindergarten. While her schoolmates began learning their ABCs, Beni began the fight of her life, enduring sickening rounds of chemotherapy, injections and a life split between Sydney and Wagga as teams helped in her battle.

It worked – and July marks five years since Beni has been in remission. This magic number is a big deal for cancer survival and Beni has now been able to ring the remission bell.

This week, Beni has at last been able to settle into her beloved class with her friends at South Wagga Public School, who’ve watched her battle the cancer since kindergarten.

“Oh my God, it feels so good. I get to live life as a normal child now and I just get to have fun with my friends and just be a normal child," a very happy Beni said.

South Wagga Public principal Tanya Whyte said the school is incredibly proud of Beni and thrilled that she is now cancer-free.

“It’s a lesson in resilience and empathy and compassion, and ultimately hope, that, despite the terrible diagnosis, five years later, she’s made it through,” Ms Whyte said.

Beni’s family is also dealing with the incredible news. After a tumultuous five years of watching their darling girl suffer to now facing life as a healthy ten-year-old.

“It’s just like a dream. I literally had to pinch myself,” said Beni’s mother, Shaleen Ali, recounting the moment doctors to them that Beni was cured of cancer.

Wagga locals have been given updates on Beni’s battle; especially those who love Indian food. Beni’s proud grandmother Rabina’s award-winning Indian Tavern Tandoori Restaurant displays photos of Beni meeting singer Seal while she was receiving treatment in Sydney.

Mum Shaleen said they couldn’t have come this far without amazing community support. “All the help, all the support, all the love that came; it’s just overwhelming,” Shaleen said.