Gold Ribbon Conversations

Gold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer. Joining me this week is Professor Jonathan Bond, a UCD Professor of Paediatric Molecular Haemato-Oncology and Honorary Consultant Paediatric Haematologist at Children's Health Ireland Crumlin. Throughout his career Jonathon has seen huge advances through research. He attended the Institute of Child Health in the UK and was a full time researcher in France for 6 years, looking at genetics in leukaemia. Today we are so fortunate to have his knowledge with Systems Biology Ireland in UCD. Here we talk about the latest advancements in fighting cancer, turning information into knowledge, minimising after affects and looking at treatments at an individual level supported by AI. This episode offers hope and deep gratitude to the people who have dedicated their careers to finding answers, advancements and treatments that save lives. 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.

Gold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer. In this episode I’m joined by Neil Hoey, an irish amputee footballer who shares his story of losing his leg to cancer to seeing how life’s challenges can open new doors, experiences and goals. Neil is 25 and was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in childhood. Unfortunately treatment alone wasn’t going to save Neil’s life and the difficult decision to amputate his leg had to me made. Throughout it all his family and friends didn’t allow him to pause his confidence - but instead pushed him at every opportunity to take pride in his independence. Neil is healthy, happy, in a great place in his career and relationships. He is the Senior International and National League Amputee Football player of the Year and nominated for the FAIreland International Awards. Neil is fully deserving of this accolade for his hard work and commitment to the IAFA. This episode is incredibly positive given all Neil has been through and will absolutely give encouragement and hope to anyone going through a similar story. 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.

Gold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer. No family ever expects a Childhood Cancer diagnosis to arrive at their door - nor do they anticipate the reality of figuring out their family finances when one or all parents have to step away from paid employment. It’s a reality for the familys we support at Childhood Cancer Ireland which is why we are so proud to partner with the LIA the Centre of Excellence for the Education and Development of Finance Professionals who volunteer their time with our financial advice programme. Joining me on this podcast is Joanne Keane, CEO of the LIA and Richard Ferris, a financial advisor and volunteer with this programme but who is also a parent who understands exactly what you are going through as his daughter Ella-May was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma at just 18 months old. Here they share more about the programme which provides free expert financial advice to families fighting childhood cancer - how normal it is to not know where you stand with your personal financial policies or employer schemes and how having an expert think clearly for you in this moment is such a huge support. And Richard shares his own story as a parent in this situation - why he is giving his time to help others going through this now and gives us all so much hope as his daughter is well, life kept going and their stability returned. If you want support through the Gold Ribbon Volunteer programme click here Are you a financial professional who wishes to join us as a volunteer email us at financialsupport@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.

Gold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer. Joining me in this episode is John Killilea, a childhood cancer survivor and now medical student. John was diagnosed with a brain tumour when he was 13 at the end of 1st year when he noticed subtle changes in his vision. His story started in the opticians but quickly took him to Beaumont for surgery, then to Crumlin for chemo and St. Luke's for radiation. Fast forward to 1st year in college and John had a benign brain tumour removed. This was in many ways more severe, even though it was benign. And the recovery again interrupted John’s life. But he found a way to medicine and is studying a graduate 4 year accelerated course in Ulster University. We talk about his experience as a teen, a young adult, his motivation to now work in medicine and his hopes for the future advancements in care for survivors. 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.

Gold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer. In this episode I’m joined by a Ella Farrell, a young woman who is beginning to reflect on the last year and how cancer interrupted her life without warning. Ella is 21 and in December 2023 when she was in her final semester of Galway University she began to have headaches. Ella received a lot of reassurance that her headaches were nothing to worry about but after a consult with a migraine physio who identified some red flags and ordered a scan, Ella’s Grade 4 medullablastoma brain tumour was found. The trauma of this news is impossible to understand, but in Ella’s case there are many things she talks about which could have been handled differently to minimise her distress. We talk about her diagnosis, travelling to Germany for treatment, hair loss and mobility issues and figuring out what now - and how to renavigate her life in her twenties. 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.

Gold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer. 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. You’ll find more information on Childhood Cancer Ireland’s bereavement supports in the show notes and on childhoodcancer.ie Jimmy Norman, Aoibheann's loving dad and founder of Aoibheann’s Pink Tie joins me as we honour her life and legacy. Aoibheann passed away from cancer when she was just 8 years old and the name of the charity is in memory of the pink ties worn by the men at her funeral. Aoibheann's Pink Tie provides practical and financial support to families dealing with childhood cancer - but here we talk about Aoibheann the girl and the huge ambitious plans she has inspired her dad to pursue. We also talk about the legacy of grief, Jimmy shares how losing her changed everything including who he was as a father to his other children, the mental health challenges, staying so immersed in the fight against childhood cancer and how his work is no longer a choice but a committment to his little girl and the families she wants him to help today. 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.

Gold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer. Mom to triplet boys Lindsay Harrison joins me in this episode as she shares her son Joshua’s story of Ewings Sarcoma. Joshua and his brothers were all born prematurely, Joshua the smallest of them all. He has had to fight his whole life to be here and while his parents fought along side him with different challenges, nobody could have anticipated childhood cancer. He was diagnosed with an aggressive form of the cancer after developing a rash when he was 9 and they were referred to a dermatologist when it wouldn’t clear up and needed a full year of chemotherapy treatment. They became 2 separate families with Lindsay and Joshua in hospital and Justin and their other two boys at home, work and school - with all 3 boys handling this new reality differently. We talk about the diagnosis, his treatment and how as an autistic child he found it all so overwhelming. We also talk about the supports and how as a family they coped, the value of peer to peer support and the real impact on a parents nervous system during and most importantly after treatment ends. Childhood Cancer Ireland and our clinicial Psychologist Dr. Mairead Brennan can be a huge help to families. 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.

Gold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer. We are joined today by a son and dad team… Rob and Conor Crab. Conor is 13 and was diagnosed with ALL when he was 10 and after hearing his mam Lesley listening to the podcast he very bravely asked if he could be a guest and for his Dad Rob to join him. We talk about looking forward to hopefully finishing treatment next month, about how hard its been to miss school, time with friends and the never knowing when a temperature might hit. Going from 10 to 13, a lot has changed for Conor and he looks back on his beads of courage with pride and understanding how much he has gone through. And we hear his dad's perspective from symptoms to diagnosis to having to stay calm, positive and the show firmly on the road in work, at home and in his relationship with Conor. 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.

Gold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer. 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. 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. You’ll find more information on Childhood Cancer Ireland’s bereavement supports in the show notes and on childhoodcancer.ie Orna Brennan was working a neurosurgical nurse in Temple Street on St. Gabriel's Ward (the brain tumour ward) when she became a mam and had her son Séimí in 2014. She said goodbye to all her colleagues assuming she wouldnt see them while on maternity leave but when Séimí was 2 months old, Orna noticed that he was making funny eye movements, ones she recognised from work. While in for an MRI Orna knew something was wrong because of how quickly everything was happening and they were told they found a tumour Shunts, surgeries, a stroke while in theatre with left side paralysis, then meningitis all before his first birthday and still 'Séimí bounced back each time. But in 2017 a new cancer in his cerebospinal fluid changed everything and with a little life of 3 years and 3 months, 'Séimí passed away at home with Orna and his dad Dave by his side. Séimí's fought for his whole life - but his cancer was not who he was. As Orna takes us through - he was a big brother, a best pal, he brought sunshine to the ward with his 'Séimí shuffle and he was brave beyond measure and left his mark on their family and the team on St. Gabriels Ward. 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.

Gold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer. May is Brain Tumour Awareness Month. Brain tumours are the second most common cause of cancer in children in Ireland. Like a lot of childhood cancers, the symptoms can be varied and can be similar to other childhood illnesses. Always speak to your GP about any unusual signs and symptoms your child is experiencing. Sinead Egan joins me in this episode to share her daughter Abigail’s story of a rare brain tumour diagnosis known as APXA just over a year ago. Abigail is now 8 and is doing really well after an extremely intense year of surgery in Temple Street and proton beam therapy in Manchester but as the tumour is rare its been difficult to find information and connect with other people with a similar diagnosis. We talk about the initial symptoms as Abigail began to drag her leg and how while visiting a physiotherapist the urgency of see a neurosurgeon became flagged, how everything began to move so quickly after this point with the family moving to Manchester for 7 weeks while trying to maintain as much normality as they could for Abigail and her younger brother Ben - and the support that has kept their family standing throughout this past year. 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.

Gold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer. Just over 10 years ago, when Sarah O’Neill was 17 when she was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. Sarah’s life changed that day and while she did beat cancer here she reflects on the ways it changed the course of her life, her fears, her fertility, her strengths and her purpose as she dedicates her career to fitness and has joined the programme committee for our CAYAS conference - childhood, adolescent and young adult cancers and survivorship. Sarah’s consultant said to her 'give me a year of your life and you'll be back to normal'. But in many ways she feels “normal” was never coming back. Here we talk about the impact of the diagnosis at her age, her concerns and frustrations around fertility preservation, early menopause and a health system not used to supporting women at her age. And why exercise has been so important for her mental health, her sense of control and her drive to use what she learned at 17 to help anyone who needs to get back on track with their life. 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.

Gold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer. Joining me today is Ciara Ui Chonghaile to share her son Rian’s T-Cell Lymphoma's diagnosis in 2022. . it was a rough start but once Rian responded really well to treatment he wanted to reintegrate into school and sports as much as he could - and 2 years on is now in maintenance - due to finish in April 2026. It’s been a heavy few years for this little family and while it’s not over yet they have so much hope whats ahead and are now looking to support others as Ciara has recently joined the Board of Childhood Cancer Ireland and as she lent on this podcast so much when Rian was diagnosed, today her story could help you. 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.

Gold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer. In this episode I’m joined by Yvonne Shannon as she shares her daughter Ruby’s incredible recovery from a grade 4 brain tumour, diagnosed when she was just 2 and a half. Ruby is nearly 11 now and loving life, growing up fast and nothing is holding her back after a huge fight against childhood cancer. A CT scan found her tumour which kick started a journey of surgery, chemo, stem cell transplant and at the very end, septicaemia left her in ICU for 14 days. As Yvonne describes. She is a miracle child. We talk about her illness, the team that saved her and the legacy of trauma. Play therapy and attending Childhood Cancer Ireland’s Parents workshops and working with our Principal Psychologist Mairead Brennan have given them both a new future where they can heal and look forward. 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.

Gold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer. 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. You’ll find a Link to Anam Cara - bereavement support here. * Lauren McCormack joins me in this episode to share with us her wonderful daughter Aaliyah. Aaliyah was diagnosed with DIPG a brain tumour in 2021 and passed away a little more than a year later. We talk about the symptoms that brought Aaliyah diagnosis, her courage and light, how together Lauren and aaliyah’s dad Karl protected and minded each other and what they have learned about grief and hope and living without their little girl. And it's been through active support like counselling or tapping into a spiritual connection with Aaliyah that has brought them some comfort and a way to live through each bad day together. 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.

Gold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer. In this episode I’m joined by Elaine Crowley as she shares her son Beau’s story of being diagnosed with ALL in Feb 2024 when he was 2 and a half. He was quite well before his diagnosis but pale and so for Elaine and her family leukaemia really was a shock. We talk about the impact of Beau’s treatment on him and their normality at home. As the youngest of 3 boys the house became a lot quieter, like the fun had been dialled right down but play therapy has been a huge support. As was attending Childhood Cancer Irelands free parent workshops as Elaine and Brian could connect with other families voicing similar thoughts and the advice given by our psychologists was practical and easy to implement in the real world. The workshops are aimed at parents / guardians of children, adolescents or young adults who have received a diagnosis of childhood cancer and facilitated by Principal Clinical Psychologist Mairead Brennan and Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist & Play Therapist Debbie Cullinane. To find out more and book your place in our Parent Workshops - click HERE 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.

Gold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer. On this episode I’m joined by Niamh Hurley Forrester as she takes us through the story of her son Josh’s diagnosis, treatment and how their experience led her to forming a team of Aer Lingus volunteers that support families travelling for treatment. Josh was 3 when he was diagnosed with a Rhabdoid Tumour in 2019 and is doing really well now. This cancer is rare but their team had hope that it could be treated with high dose chemo surgery and proton radiation in Germany. Niamh has worked with Aer Lingus for many years and travelling was her life - and yet, this travel and the stress it brought opened her eyes to the experiences of many who must pass through our airports. After she received the support of the Gavin Glynn Foundation who took care of what they needed to get to Germany she knew she wanted to do something more to help families - which led her to forming Team Gavin Glynn, a Volunteer Group in Aer Lingus who donate their time to taking families through the airport. She now has 100 volunteers who help families on their days off. They meet them at the entrance, take them through check in, security etc, take them for a coffee and make their journey as smooth as possible and run fundraising initiatives. 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.

Gold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer. In this episode I’m joined by Toni Bell Doyle as she shares her experience of being the big sister to her brother fighting childhood cancer. Her brother Blaine is 17 and was first diagnosed at 12 - during covid which was difficult as a family of 6 who couldn’t visit and be together. Blaine is now being treated in an adult hospital and it's a different experience as they are all able to go in. Toni is the eldest and took on a very caring role and explains how everyone in the family experienced it differently. We talk about the impact of a diagnosis on siblings, the concern and worry they carry - how they miss their parents time and attention and how important it is that the wider network check on their wellbeing too But we also talk about how important they can be in bringing life and hope and a bit of healthy slagging back in to the family when things might feel dark. 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.

Gold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer. To begin our 2025 Season we have the remarkable Irish Paediatric Oncologist - Dr. Trish Scanlon. Trish is the Interim Director of Global Health at Childrens Health Ireland. She is the CEO of charity - “Their Lives Matter” a group of charities based in Tanzania, Ireland & UK with the united aim to reach every child in Tanzania who develops cancer. And she is Co Medical Director of Children not Numbers a multi disciplinary team of experts dedicated to improving the lives of children in Gaza through a comprehensive approach to health, safety, education, and rehabilitation. and most recently, Dr Trish as paediatric lead supported the evacuation of children to Ireland for healthcare. We talk about what first brought her to Tanzania, how 10 children a day developed cancer with 9 out of 10 of these children losing their battle to Today when the survival rate is now 50%. She shares her commitment to fighting for the paediatric care of children, and her optimism for what’s now possible when fighting childhood cancer. 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.

Gold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer. For the final episode of the year, I am joined by Eoin Cronly and his mother Lucy. Eoin is now 22 and was diagnosed with Leukaemia when he was 11 followed by, as he explains, every rare complication he could think of. He missed out on a lot of school and was healthy enough to return just as lockdown happened. But by understanding the accommodations he was entitled to, he sat the leaving cert and is now well on his way to finishing college - despite many health set backs and adverse side effects to steroid treatments. Lucy was with him throughout and has trained as a parent peer supporter with Childhood Cancer Ireland to be able to offer support to other parents and is a huge advocate for sharing information and empathy. 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gold Ribbon Conversations - The podcast that supports those fighting Childhood Cancer. Trigger Warning: This episode discusses the loss of a child to cancer. If you have been impacted by the loss of a child, you will find information, resources and support at Anam Cara, an organisation which supports parents after bereavement. They also have information for siblings, grandparents and other family members, which may be helpful. Erin Tierney was only 22 and in her final year in college when she got pregnant with her first baby, Córa. At 7 months, unexpectedly, Córa was diagnosed with with a rare & aggressive embryonal tumour with multilayered rosettes (ETMR) in her brain and spinal cord. Córa lived for another 10 days. The shock and grief of this sudden diagnosis and loss shatterd Erin, Conor and their families. And in the years since have found the strength to keep going. Baby Florence arrived a couple of months ago and the Córa Rose Foundation has been set up to support bereaved parents. This is heartbreaking but Erin's courage and compassion is a gift to everyone who listens. You can read Córa's story here https://childhoodcancer.ie/story/cora-rose-tierney-donoghue/ 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.