60 Seconds With: Rosie Johnson
Senior Family Support Practitioner at the Child and Family Support Service within Diana Children’s Community Service in Leicestershire.
Finding kinder drugs in genetically matched cell models for childhood leukaemia
Current treatments for childhood leukaemia are effective but often damage healthy cells. As a result, patients often have lifelong health problems. Our research aims to identify "kinder" drugs by using genetically engineered "twin" cells to compare how healthy and cancerous cells respond to treatment.
How transformative trips help support siblings as well as young people with cancer
Andy Calvert’s daughter Keira was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2022 aged 14. Andy tells us how the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust has supported both her and her younger siblings, Hayley, Aden and Andrew, with their sailing and adventure trips.
Why the impact of being a bereaved sibling is always there
When Gill Thaxter’s daughter, Lisa passed away from osteosarcoma, it had a profound impact on her other daughter, Rebecca. Here, Gill tells us how communication helped their family navigate the loss together.
Supporting siblings with care and understanding so they’re not overlooked
When a child faces cancer, the impact extends to the entire family. Rich Driffield, CEO of The Joshua Tree, discusses the charity's mission to support patients and their siblings.
Don’t wait to reach out for help
Jude Solley was diagnosed with mixed-phenotype acute leukaemia (MPAL) in 2021 aged 16. Now, 21, he explains how this caused him to struggle with body image issues, why he decided to reach out for help, and why he advises others to do the same as soon as possible.
The impact of treatment on body image: helping young people move forward with hope
Dr Nicola O'Donnell is a health psychologist and a researcher at the University of York. Here, she tells us about her research into the impact of retinoblastoma treatment on survivors’ body image and how her team is taking it forward to help those treated for other childhood cancers.
What is body image and how can you support your child?
Dr Rebecca Mulholland is Senior Clinical Psychologist at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. Here, she explains how a child or young person might feel about changes to their appearance due to treatment, and how you can support them.
“It feels like everything has come full circle, turning pain into purpose”
Kira Noble was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2014 aged 11. Now 22, she explains the impact hair loss had on her during treatment, and how her experiences have shaped her choice of career.