Before his diagnosis, Dan was fit, active and thriving as a keen footballer, so when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) aged 14, it completely turned all our lives upside down. At first, I didn't fully understand what was happening because I was so young, but I could tell how serious it was from the way my family reacted to the news.
Dan’s treatment involved long periods in and out of hospital, which was both physically and emotionally draining for him, especially since he missed out on being a ‘normal teenager’. It was really hard for me to process over the first few months as so much had changed in our everyday lives, and it was upsetting to see him so unwell. One Christmas, he was hospitalised for 16 days, which was an especially difficult time as we were all apart.
In the early stages of Dan’s treatment, one of the most helpful things was a book given by the nurses explaining what ALL was and how the treatment would help, making things easier to understand and a little less scary. Dan was also given 'Beads of Courage', where he received a different bead for each procedure or treatment. We added these to a string to create something positive to look back on, showing Dan's strength and everything he’d overcome.
As I got older, I attended some of Dan's hospital appointments and although it was overwhelming at times, it helped me process what was happening and made me feel more involved. His attitude throughout treatment also had a huge impact. Despite everything, he never complained and was always so positive, which I found really inspiring and it helped us all stay strong.
How our family's experiences have inspired me
Our family’s experiences have significantly shaped who I am today. Spending time in the hospital and seeing the impact of Dan’s treatment first-hand made me realise just how much it not only affected him, but our whole family.
Now at university, I'm currently in my third and final year studying Pharmacology at Newcastle University. As a result of my studies, I’ve begun to understand how much work goes into developing and delivering these treatments, which has further changed my perspective.
Having a personal connection makes my studies more meaningful and motivates me to want to help and to be a part of the whole process. I’ve recently completed my dissertation where I focused on validating novel anticancer targets in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. I also completed a summer placement, investigating a chromosome linked to a subtype of ALL. Being a part of real research has really solidified my interest in cancer research, particularly in drug discovery and development, as I’ve seen exactly how important this work is.
Evie in the lab
Today, life looks very different for our family. Dan's treatment was successful, and he was thankfully given the all-clear in 2018, just before his 18th birthday. He’s now a Foundation Year 2 (F2) doctor and hopes to specialise in paediatrics. Although it was a very difficult time for us all, it has brought us a lot closer, and we’re incredibly grateful to be in the position we’re in now.
The Mattison family
My advice to other siblings
For other siblings going through a similar experience, I would say that it's completely normal to feel a mix of emotions, whether that’s worry, frustration or even confusion. It’s so important to talk about how you’re feeling and to take things one day at a time as it can be very overwhelming. Most of all, remember you’re not alone. Looking back, I realise how strong it made me and it has given me a new appreciation for the small things in life.
From Contact magazine issue 111 | Summer 2026
