"Now, unlike before, I control my future, not my cancer”
Josh Hill was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in September 2004. Now 21, he tells us how he chooses to allow his experiences to drive what he does, rather than control him.
Decision making in rhabdomyosarcoma
Our supporters help us to continue our important research through fundraising and donations, with many of our research projects supported by our Special Named Funds.
Red or green socks? Even the smallest choices can matter to children with cancer
Sarah Turner and J’nae Christopher are assistant psychologists within Health in Mind at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. They explain that for a child going through treatment, to be given choice and control over even seemingly small things, can be of real value.
"We decided to take something positive from this horrendous situation”
Karen and Andrew Phillips were inspired to establish their own charity after their son Harry was helped through his treatment for leukaemia by a special aid. Here, Karen tells us more.
A parent’s view... Shielding
Shielding...a term unknown until March 2020! Tash Larcombe, whose nine-year-old son, Finley, has leukaemia, writes on what shielding has been like for her and her family.
Standing back’ became an irrelevance
Alexander Clarke was diagnosed with a soft tissue sarcoma aged 19, meaning he was old enough to make his own treatment choices. His mum Denise describes how he helped lessen their worries by involving them throughout, even when there were no further treatment options left for him.
An overview of the decision-making process
Dr Vikki Langford, Clinical Psychologist at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, explains some of the factors involved in making decisions and offers advice and guidance on the process.
Medical adviser (Issue 90)
When I agreed to write this column in this edition of Contact, themed on ‘Choices’, I thought it would be easy. But it wasn’t – just like the choices that families have to make.