A mum has revealed the one subtle symptom that led to her young daughter’s cancer diagnosis - as she urges other parents to trust their instincts. Tulay Kachar, 32, said she first knew something wasn't right when her daughter Ayla developed a large, dark bruise after what seemed like a very minor fall.

Recalling the moment, she said: "She slightly tripped and within seconds her knee turned into a very dark and large bruise - far beyond what you would expect." Despite her concerns, she initially felt it was nothing serious. But just weeks later, in December 2024, Ayla was diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (B-ALL) - a type of childhood blood cancer - shortly before her third birthday.

Before her diagnosis, Ayla was a happy, energetic toddler who loved to dance, laugh and fill the home with joy. Now aged four, she is undergoing long-term treatment expected to last several years.

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Despite everything, her mum, from Utah, US, says she continues to show "strength far beyond her age and teaches us every day what courage looks like".

The family’s world changed almost overnight, with daily life becoming a cycle of chemotherapy, hospital stays and uncertainty.

Looking back, Tulay believes the bruising was the clearest warning sign - even though it was easy to dismiss at the time.

"I remember feeling uneasy, but hearing things like ‘she’s just a kid’ or ‘kids bruise all the time’," she said.

"That was deeply alarming to me. Even then, I was told I was overthinking it. But deep down, I knew something was not right."

It wasn’t until a follow-up appointment, when she pushed for further testing, that doctors discovered abnormal blood results and urgently referred Ayla to hospital.

"Everything changed from that moment," she said.

Tulay is now encouraging other parents to speak up if they feel something is off, even if symptoms seem minor.

"It is okay to go back, ask more questions, and request further evaluation or testing," she said. "Advocating for your child is never overreacting."

While every case is different, she explains some symptoms can often be mistaken for less serious conditions. She says it’s not always one big obvious sign and can be a series of small things that don’t quite add up, or last longer than they should.

In June 2025, the family welcomed Ayla’s baby sister, Leyla, with Tulay describing the bond between them as "beautiful".

Even during her treatment, Ayla has embraced her role as a big sister with love and pride.

The journey has been challenging in every sense - emotionally, physically and financially - but Tulay says their faith and support system have helped them stay strong.

By sharing Ayla’s story, she hopes to raise awareness and help other families spot potential warning signs earlier.

"If sharing our story helps even one family catch something earlier and begin treatment sooner, then I truly feel like we have accomplished something meaningful," she said.

Offering advice to parents who may be in a similar position, she added: "If you feel something has been missed, trust that instinct. Asking for basic blood work, such as a CBC with differential, can be a simple but important step.

"It’s a straightforward test that can provide valuable insight, and additional checks like a CMP can help build a clearer picture if needed. Keeping track of symptoms - when they started, how often they happen, and any changes over time - can also really help.

"If concerns still aren’t being addressed, seeking a second opinion is completely valid. If symptoms are persistent, worsening, or multiple signs are happening at once, it is okay to escalate care whether that means urgent care or the emergency room."

To support Ayla through her treatment, visit her GoFundMe page or search 'Alya Flights Against Leukemia' on the donation website.

What are the symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia?

According to the NHS, symptoms are not always obvious at first and can be similar to other conditions. However, they usually appear quite quickly over a few weeks, the main symptoms include:

• Feeling tired or weak


• Bleeding or bruising easily or for no reason


• Looking more pale than usual


• Getting ill a lot or taking longer than usual to recover from illnesses


• A high temperature


• Swollen glands (usually in the neck, armpits and groin)


• Pain in the bones or joints


• Loss of appetite or losing weight without trying


• Shortness of breath


• A swollen tummy – your tummy may feel painful, uncomfortable or full

It's advised to see a GP if you or your child have symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Otherwise, if your child is bleeding or bruising easily for no reasons, call 111.