Support for the children of cancer patients
Donation protected
My name is Abbie and I am 13 years old and this is the story of my Dad and I.
To me my Dad is superman to others he is a medical miracle and an inspiration.
In 1982 aged 15 my Dad was diagnosed with cancer a cancer called Leiomyosarcoma in the Bladder. He went through surgery and a year of chemotherapy. He beat cancer and continued to live free of disease for almost 7 years. This was followed by 3 lung operations to remove more tumours and huge stomach operation.
In 2005 and before I was even born my dad was diagnosed with brain mets. He was told he would only have 6 months to live and had to have brain surgery, radiotherapy and more chemo. He fought and won the battle again although was left paralysed on the left side of his body.
My whole life I have seen my Dad in and out of hospital. In total he has had 14 recurrences of the disease affecting various parts of the body including brain, spine, lungs, liver, stomach and bladder. I have seen my dad seriously ill from chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.
In 2017 I had to watch my mum go through treatment for breast cancer. Having both parents go through active treatment for cancer at the same time is horrible not knowing if one or even both of them would beat it. Thankfully my mum has been clear for 2 years now.
My Dad is the first to say he has already overstayed his welcome but 2 weeks ago was told that the cancer has returned in the brain again so he has come home from hospital to fight his final battle knowing that further treatments are no longer feasible. We are living in lockdown still due to the risk to my dad. I hope he will be here to celebrate my 14th birthday in 2 weeks’ time. I am sure he would like to be here to celebrate the end of lockdown, my sisters 18th birthday this year or even see another Hibs v Hearts derby match?
My sister and I have been told on at least 3 occasions that we should prepare for the worst and that he wouldn’t survive but he always has, this time I know he won’t.
When my Dad was medically retired in 2009 he started fundraising for Macmillan, Maggie’s, Edinburgh Cancer Centre and Headway amongst others. Over the years we have raised thousands of pounds through race nights, longest day golf challenges and auctions. As my sister and I got older we have also got involved and raised money. This gave my Dad something positive to focus on and with the help of some great friends we not only raised money for causes close to many people’s hearts but we also had a thoroughly good time.
As much as I would love to make lots of new memories with my dad I don’t see that happening now but I know how lucky I have been to have had him in my life the past 14 years. I’m sure we will celebrate with the biggest red velvet cake we can possibly find and a couple of movies on Netflix.
Therefore to help get us through the lockdown situation my Dad and I are hoping to raise money to help other families with children who find themselves in the same position as me and have a parent with a cancer diagnosis.
The following is added by my Dad,
So while I spend my time in lockdown shielded from the outside world I’ve decided to have one last push. I know the timing is abysmal, that everyone is struggling with Covid-19 and it’s impact in various ways. Many of you may have lost jobs, being paid less, or may have directly/indirectly lost someone close. Based on all of this, I completely understand if you can’t donate. Every penny counts and puts me a step closer to having the chance of leaving something for others. I owe so much to our amazing NHS for keeping me alive these past 27 years and will be forever grateful to my amazing consultant oncologist Larry Hayward at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre for everything he has done for my family.
If you are unable to donate, sharing is caring, please could I ask that you take a couple of minutes to share this page and my story. Would be amazing to see the target reached before my time is up.
The following is added by my Mum,
Throughout our family’s journey the one thing we have always found lacking the support for the children of cancer patients. Just today we were yet again advised by another cancer charity that there is no support for children but it is directed through the parent/guardian. This is something that needs to change. Cancer is a horrible disease to watch anyone go through but it is made even worse with limited support options available. If we can raise money to help even just a couple of families it will be worthwhile.
All money raised will be used through Maggies and Macmillan Cancer to support families.
To me my Dad is superman to others he is a medical miracle and an inspiration.
In 1982 aged 15 my Dad was diagnosed with cancer a cancer called Leiomyosarcoma in the Bladder. He went through surgery and a year of chemotherapy. He beat cancer and continued to live free of disease for almost 7 years. This was followed by 3 lung operations to remove more tumours and huge stomach operation.
In 2005 and before I was even born my dad was diagnosed with brain mets. He was told he would only have 6 months to live and had to have brain surgery, radiotherapy and more chemo. He fought and won the battle again although was left paralysed on the left side of his body.
My whole life I have seen my Dad in and out of hospital. In total he has had 14 recurrences of the disease affecting various parts of the body including brain, spine, lungs, liver, stomach and bladder. I have seen my dad seriously ill from chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.
In 2017 I had to watch my mum go through treatment for breast cancer. Having both parents go through active treatment for cancer at the same time is horrible not knowing if one or even both of them would beat it. Thankfully my mum has been clear for 2 years now.
My Dad is the first to say he has already overstayed his welcome but 2 weeks ago was told that the cancer has returned in the brain again so he has come home from hospital to fight his final battle knowing that further treatments are no longer feasible. We are living in lockdown still due to the risk to my dad. I hope he will be here to celebrate my 14th birthday in 2 weeks’ time. I am sure he would like to be here to celebrate the end of lockdown, my sisters 18th birthday this year or even see another Hibs v Hearts derby match?
My sister and I have been told on at least 3 occasions that we should prepare for the worst and that he wouldn’t survive but he always has, this time I know he won’t.
When my Dad was medically retired in 2009 he started fundraising for Macmillan, Maggie’s, Edinburgh Cancer Centre and Headway amongst others. Over the years we have raised thousands of pounds through race nights, longest day golf challenges and auctions. As my sister and I got older we have also got involved and raised money. This gave my Dad something positive to focus on and with the help of some great friends we not only raised money for causes close to many people’s hearts but we also had a thoroughly good time.
As much as I would love to make lots of new memories with my dad I don’t see that happening now but I know how lucky I have been to have had him in my life the past 14 years. I’m sure we will celebrate with the biggest red velvet cake we can possibly find and a couple of movies on Netflix.
Therefore to help get us through the lockdown situation my Dad and I are hoping to raise money to help other families with children who find themselves in the same position as me and have a parent with a cancer diagnosis.
The following is added by my Dad,
So while I spend my time in lockdown shielded from the outside world I’ve decided to have one last push. I know the timing is abysmal, that everyone is struggling with Covid-19 and it’s impact in various ways. Many of you may have lost jobs, being paid less, or may have directly/indirectly lost someone close. Based on all of this, I completely understand if you can’t donate. Every penny counts and puts me a step closer to having the chance of leaving something for others. I owe so much to our amazing NHS for keeping me alive these past 27 years and will be forever grateful to my amazing consultant oncologist Larry Hayward at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre for everything he has done for my family.
If you are unable to donate, sharing is caring, please could I ask that you take a couple of minutes to share this page and my story. Would be amazing to see the target reached before my time is up.
The following is added by my Mum,
Throughout our family’s journey the one thing we have always found lacking the support for the children of cancer patients. Just today we were yet again advised by another cancer charity that there is no support for children but it is directed through the parent/guardian. This is something that needs to change. Cancer is a horrible disease to watch anyone go through but it is made even worse with limited support options available. If we can raise money to help even just a couple of families it will be worthwhile.
All money raised will be used through Maggies and Macmillan Cancer to support families.
Organizer and beneficiary
Abbie Stewart
Organizer
Abbie Stewart
Beneficiary
