Our daughter Mollie was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma in August 2018 at the young age of 2. She underwent treatment both here in Northern Ireland and in Jacksonville, Florida.

Although Mollie is doing well she will continue to suffer significantly with late effects, not from cancer, but from her treatment. This includes greater risk of secondary cancers, infertility, early menopause, possible cognitive impairment, facial disfigurement,  dental problems, endocrine issues, increased risk to stroke….. a long list of really challenging medical conditions yet we know Mollie is one of the ‘lucky ones’. This just isn’t good enough. 

As Mollies parents we continue to live under the cloud of fear. Real fear. Not just anxious parents!! With every scan we are thrown back into a world we don’t want to be in, waiting for results that will dictate if Mollie will continue to be one of the ‘lucky ones’. With every scan we are consumed with dark thoughts of Mollies survival. Will the remaining rhabdomyosarcoma tumour deep inside her little face have started to grow again? Will she have developed a new cancer caused by radiation? Are the blood vessels in her brain narrowing putting her at risk of having a stroke?  The worry is exhausting but has made me determined to try and make a difference to all future children diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma. 

Supporting Alices Arc will allow us to pool funds and focus on specific rhabdomyosarcoma research to find kinder treatments not only to improve survival outcomes but to allow for an improved quality of life for survivors.

Together we are stronger 🎗💛