Teifi Rowley was diagnosed with cancer as a baby and again a few years later. They tell us about Anniben, a drag character they created that has helped them process the long-term impact of treatment through creativity and performance.
Emily Baker, clinical research nurse at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and CCLG member, tells us about her career so far, the most rewarding part of her job, and more.
Raysa Farah’s son, S’aad, was diagnosed with leukaemia aged two. Here, she explains how her and S’aad’s experiences during his treatment inspired her to write a children’s book, empowering both her and other young children with cancer.
A biobank is a store for cancer samples which are then released for research studies. Professor Deb Tweddle, Director of VIVO Biobank, Professor of Paediatric Oncology and Honorary Consultant at Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals, and Dr Mariya Geneshka, Research Associate at the University of York, tell us more about donating samples for biobanking, and its importance to improving treatment and care.
Helen Pearson, Advanced Nurse Practitioner in solid tumours, researcher and CCLG member, explains how the findings of a study have helped co-design an important new web resource to support families.
Dr Sarah Evans, Head of Research at CCLG, describes what patient and public involvement (PPI) involves. PPI is about researchers and those who fund research teaming up with people who have personal experience with a health condition. This collaboration helps make sure that research focuses on what really matters to the people it’s meant to help, like patients and their families.
The relationship between oncologists and parents of children with cancer can be complex and unique, with each family having differing needs. Dr Ren Manias, Consultant Paediatric Oncologist at Southampton General Hospital and Contact's medical adviser, tells us how open and honest communication between doctors and parents is key to developing trust and understanding, and why this is important.
Ruby Abramow was first diagnosed with a rare head and neck cancer aged nine, before relapsing in 2019, when she was 14. Now 19, she tells us how a new, supportive environment gave her the fresh start she needed to take back control of her disrupted education.
Sophie Barclay was 15 when diagnosed with a brain tumour, making schooling and exams difficult. Now 18, she tells us how, with the support of her school, she has received a conditional offer for university.
