May is brain tumour awareness month. Brain tumours are the second most common cause of cancer in children in Ireland. Always speak to your GP about any unusual signs and symptoms your child is experiencing.

We are joined by Melanie O'Sullivan mum to Rio who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in May 2024. And is doing really well.

The family have all leaned on support services, charities, ways to keep spirits bright throughout their time including play therapy provided by Childhood Cancer Ireland. And while this story will never leave them it is proof that there is so much hope and treatment available for a brain tumour diagnosis.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts or link in bio.

Please text GOLD to 50300 and donate €4 or visit childhoodcancer.ie for more.

Childhood Cancer Ireland is a charity founded by and led by parents of children with cancer who know that one of the greatest sources of strength for this fight, is conversation. As a non-government funded organisation, Childhood Cancer Ireland values every single donation.

Text costs €4. Childhood Cancer Ireland will receive a minimum of €3.25. Service Provider: Fundraising Solutions. Helpline: 01 202 2810.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode discusses the loss of a child to cancer.

While this conversation is essential for families who have experienced this grief, it may be understandably upsetting and so we encourage you to protect your emotional wellbeing.

Just 18 days after being diagnosed with a malignant rhabdoid tumor, baby Willow passed away in June 2023 with her parents Elaine and Ross and close family members by her side. She was almost 5 months old. Gone Too Soon.

Willow was distressed and refusing her bottles she had previously loved.

Doctors assumed it was reflux and prescribed new formula.

But it was a tumour on her spinal cord at her neck which was found while on a family holiday in tenerife.

And what followed was an emergency to get home, to get operated on and to try everything they could. But tragically they had 18 days.

We talk about the signs and symptoms and the importance to advocate for your children. The moments Elaine didnt feel listened to. And the care that wrapped around them in Crumlin. But also very practical things like the importance of the small print on travel insurance, how they honour Willows life and the choices they made in the days they had with her.

You’ll find more information on Childhood Cancer Ireland’s bereavement supports on childhoodcancer.ie

Please text GOLD to 50300 and donate €4 or visit childhoodcancer.ie for more.

Childhood Cancer Ireland is a charity founded by and led by parents of children with cancer who know that one of the greatest sources of strength for this fight, is conversation. As a non-government funded organisation, Childhood Cancer Ireland values every single donation.

Text costs €4. Childhood Cancer Ireland will receive a minimum of €3.25. Service Provider: Fundraising Solutions. Helpline: 01 202 2810.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode marks Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Awareness Week.

To share his story and raise awareness we are joined by Personal Trainer, Cancer survivor and right arm amputee Harry Greaney - and incredible young man from Galway who was diagnosed with a type of sarcoma in his arm when he was 19.

Harry’s treatment began with surgery, radiation and chemo. But the pain in his arm returned, but because the odds of recurrence was low, he was dismissed and told to take anti-inflammatories. At this age, Harry could easily have not advocated for himself but he pushed hard when he wasn’t being listened to and he was right, the cancer had returned.

Harry’s cancer was aggressive. More radiation, more surgery, more pain and the tumour kept growing back. And the decision was made to amputate his arm 9 months ago. A decision which felt liberating - not limiting for Harry. He could return to fitness training, competing and move forward with his life knowing the cancer was removed.

And while this story is incredibly inspiring, he talks about how there are still hurdles to overcome living with a disability in this country and what needs to be done to better support AYA cancer patients during and after treatment.

Please text GOLD to 50300 and donate €4 or visit childhoodcancer.ie for more.

Childhood Cancer Ireland is a charity founded by and led by parents of children with cancer who know that one of the greatest sources of strength for this fight, is conversation. As a non-government funded organisation, Childhood Cancer Ireland values every single donation.

Text costs €4. Childhood Cancer Ireland will receive a minimum of €3.25. Service Provider: Fundraising Solutions. Helpline: 01 202 2810.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.