In this episode I’m joined by Michelle and Daniel Burke as they share the long road their son Alex has walked since diagnosis of Neuroblastoma aged one and a half.

Alex is now 4 and after every type of treatment including chemo, radiation, stem cell, immunotherapy, surgery and a very specific medication to treat a mutation - Alex is doing really well.

We talk about his initial symptoms and diagnosis, how Michelle was 30 weeks pregnant with a daughter to also care for when Alex was diagnosed, the years of treatments Alex went through and how last June the news was really not good - until suddenly, the good news they al had hoped for arrived.

We also talk about the supports along the way from Hand in Hand in Galway, play therapists and our Beads of Courage programme.

To help us to continue our services please text GOLD to FIVE ZERO THREE ZERO ZERO and donate €4 or visit childhoodcancer.ie for more.

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

We have a guest returning to Gold Ribbon Conversations this week.

We last spoke to Karl Corcoran about 18 months ago - as a young adult Karl had been diagnosed and beaten lymphoma but it had left a legacy of concerns for him as a young adult wanting to build a life for himself : fertility + career.

What we didn’t know then was that Karl would go on to be a dad and he would go on to find a role that aligned with his unique experience and talents.

This catch up episode is here to show us all that we don’t know what positives are around the corner and as KArl says, how important it is to just take it day by day, hour by hour and never let cancer define you.

To help us to continue our services please text GOLD to FIVE ZERO THREE ZERO ZERO and donate €4 or visit childhoodcancer.ie for more.

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

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.

Colleen McNally joins me as we remember her gorgeous boy Daragh.

Shortly after turning 11, Daragh became unwell. He was sick for five weeks and five days before he passed away.

Daragh was an incredibly special little boy. Daragh’s autism was moderate to severe.

Here we talk about his autism, how he was always at the centre of family life, the shock of his acute illness and the legacy of grief they share as a family.

It’s both beautiful and heartbreaking. And we thank Colleen for her words and for sharing Daragh’s story with us.

https://childhoodcancer.ie/story/daragh-mcnally/

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.