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.

March is Kidney Cancer Awareness Month.

An average of 10 children are diagnosed with kidney cancer in Ireland each year.

Over 90% of these cases are Wilm's tumour which is what we are here to talk about today with my guest Kevin Price.

Kevin’s 7 year old daughter Hayleigh was diagnosed with bilateral Wilm's Tumour in 2025.

Bilateral meaning there was a tumour on both kidneys, which is more unusual.

Kevin and Hayleigh’s mother Leanne noticed Halyey was losing a lot of weight, no energy and during the summer noticed a mass on her abdomen. Which led to her diagnosis, treatment, surgery and a final chemo date on the calendar.

And Hayleigh didn’t go through this alone. She has always had the support of her twin sister Hannah, big brother Jack and a special friend called Monkey in a Chair, an initiative being ran by the hospital school in Crumlin to help children feel connected to the classroom even on the days they can’t attend.

We talk about the road to diagnosis, the power of play therapy and the support their family continues to lean on and as parents how to figure out what each child needs as they go through such worry and separation.

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.