Tell-tale signs could include the smattering of bruises on her arms and legs, but then again what child doesn’t have a bruise?

But make no mistake Addalyn – or Addy as she is known to those who love her – is in real trouble.

In fact, Addalyn’s situation is so dire that if she doesn’t receive a bone marrow transplant within the next six months she will die. It’s as simple and as tragic as that.

But Addalyn’s family is not giving up hope, and neither should we.

It’s easy enough to become ­desensitised to the plight of those in need. We don’t mean to, of course, but when we are confronted with one sad story after the next we develop coping mechanisms to stop the sadness seeping in.

That’s because most of the time we feel hopeless with little to no idea on how to help. 

Sure we can give money, if required, but even that feels distant and it’s not always an option.

Addalyn’s case is different. All she wants is something we already have. And that is time and blood.

In the past 18 months, Addalyn has been diagnosed with a cluster of blood cancers and with no suitable bone ­marrow matches in her own family, the search has spread to the Maitland ­community to help find a donor for the little girl.

Any healthy person can give blood, therefore any healthy person can register to become a bone marrow donor.

But we need to act quickly.

The search for Addalyn’s donor may not end in Maitland, but then again it might. 

As her mother Rachael said: “Addy is the most fun, amazing and precious little girl so if you’re healthy enough to do this then please give it ago. There is someone out there who could be a match for Addy and that person could save her life.”

Read Addy's story here