Amy Fawcett
Joseph's appeal
Fundraising for North of England Children's Cancer Research fund
Story
When our little boy Joseph was just 8 months old he was diagnosed with a rare and very aggressive brain tumour called ATRT. The news was devastating, and we were told that the chances of treatment working were slim.
After brain surgery couldn’t remove all of the tumour he then went through 11 rounds of chemotherapy, high dose chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. The side effects of this intensive treatment were horrendous and extremely tough for such a little boy, Joseph’s whole life revolved around hospital, attached to lines, and fed through a tube. High dose chemotherapy completely wiped out his own immune system and it left him in intensive care, fighting for his life.
Luckily, against the odds, scans showed that the treatment had worked and that there was no longer any sign of the tumour. He’s now a lively three year old, and 18 months post treatment he’s doing so well. However, we know he will always have to live with the side effects of this intensive treatment.
That’s why we’re dedicating 2016 to raising £11,000 for The North of England Children’s Cancer Research Fund (NECCR) – that’s £1,000 to mark every round of chemo Joseph had. The charity funds vital research into the causes and treatment of cancer in childhood, developing less toxic and more effective treatments and has worked to establish the North East as one of the world leaders in the research of childhood cancer – for the benefit of children with cancer everywhere.
We’re undertaking a series of challenges throughout 2016 including; The Edinburgh Marathon, Abu Dhabi Triathalon, Staffordshire Ironman, Children’s Cancer Run, Great Midlands Run, Great North Run, Great Scottish Swim, Walking Hadrian’s Wall, Tough Mudder, Kielder Marathon and more! We’re also asking all of our friends and family to join in and support Joseph’s Appeal with their own challenges and events.
Please support us in any way you can and help fund a brighter future for children with cancer.
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